By Brian Jules Campued
Noting a continuous decline in areas experiencing dangerous heat index levels, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced Tuesday that it has suspended the issuance of daily heat index information.
In an advisory, PAGASA said the end of El Niño and the occurrence of rain showers and thunderstorms across many parts of the country has prompted the state weather bureau to suspend the daily issuance of heat index reports.
“During this period, it is important to focus on providing accurate and timely information related to hazards and potential impacts associated with the rainy season,” the agency said.
However, heat indices derived from the bureau’s automated weather stations can still be accessed on PAGASA’s website to help assess areas that may still experience hot temperatures.
“Our daily monitoring of heat index and issuance of forecasts will resume on March 1, 2025, which coincides with the hot and dry months in many parts of the country,” it added.
Heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels relative to humidity and air. The ‘danger’ level consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C. Indices above 51°C fall under “extreme danger”.
Last month, Guiuan, Eastern Samar recorded this year’s highest heat index level at 55°C.
PAGASA and the Department of Health have both warned against prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature that may result in fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. – iro