Philippines to endure scorching heat until mid-May
MANILA, Philippines — Extreme heat will persist until the second week of May amid the impact of El Niño and the dry season as Metro Manila’s temperature reached 38.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The “danger” high heat index will still be experienced in many parts of the country, PAGASA weather forecaster Anna Clauren said in a radio interview.
“We are still in the peak of the dry season and it is possible that temperatures will further increase especially during the second half of May,” Clauren said.
The easterlies or hot temperatures from the Pacific Ocean are currently affecting the country, she noted.
“For the next four to five days, we should expect that the current temperatures will be maintained in Metro Manila and many parts of the country. We expect a high heat index or danger level. We advise the public to take
extra precaution and, if necessary, avoid extreme activities, especially at noon,” she added.
Mindanao can expect rains brought by the intertropical convergence zone, Clauren said.
At least 32 areas could experience a danger heat index (between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius) today: Aparri, Cagayan; Dagupan City; Coron and Aborlan, Palawan; Virac, Catanduanes; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Roxas City, Capiz; Laoag City and Batac, Ilocos Norte; Bacnotan, La Union; Echague, Isabela; Sangley Point, Cavite; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Iloilo City and Dumangas, Iloilo; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Other areas that could experience danger heat index today are Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Pili, Camarines Sur; Mambusao, Capiz; La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Sur; Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City; Science Garden in Quezon City; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Tayabas City, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Maasin, Southern Leyte; Zamboanga City; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
An “extreme danger” heat index, 52 degrees Celsius and up, could also be experienced, PAGASA warned.
Iba, Zambales yesterday recorded an extreme danger heat index of 53 degrees Celsius, the highest so far this year, PAGASA said.
On Saturday, the highest heat index was
