By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Don’t forget your sunscreen, folks.”
The rainy season remains out of reach for the Philippines, as mercury levels continue to rise in some areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) heat index alert late Monday.
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan tops the chart, as locals there have to brace themselves for temperatures up to 45°C. This is closely followed by ISU Echague, Isabela; Casiguran, Aurora; TAU, Camiling, Tarlac; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Cuyo, Palawan; and Borongan, Eastern Samar, where temperatures can peak at 44°C.
Hot weather will also prevail in the following areas:
- NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila (42°C)
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (42°C)
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan (43°C)
- Bacnotan, La Union (43°C)
- Aparri, Cagayan (43°C)
- Baler, Aurora (43°C)
- Iba, Zambales (43°C)
- CLSU, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (42°C)
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City (42°C)
- San Ildefonso, Bulacan (43°C)
- Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite (42°C)
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (42°C)
- Alabat, Quezon (42°C)
- NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna (42°C)
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (43°C)
- Aborlan, Palawan (43°C)
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C)
- Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C)
- Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C)
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental (42°C)
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (42°C)
- Davao City, Davao del Sur (42°C)
According to PAGASA, heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels relative to humidity. The “danger” category consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C.
The state weather bureau likewise warns the public about the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat—such as fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, two low pressure areas (LPAs) are being monitored by PAGASA—one inside and one outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). Both weather systems are unlikely to develop into a tropical depression.
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