Warm and generally fair weather will continue across much of the country this Saturday, but the state weather bureau warned that heat indices in several areas may reach levels considered dangerous, posing risks of heat-related illnesses.
In its latest bulletin, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGSA) said a high-pressure area extending over Northern Luzon is still preventing rainfall, resulting in partly cloudy to cloudy skies over Metro Manila and most of Luzon, with only isolated thunderstorms expected in the afternoon or evening.
Similar conditions are forecast in the Visayas and Mindanao, where localized thunderstorms may still bring brief but heavy downpours later in the day.
Despite the presence of Typhoon Sinlaku outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), weather authorities said the system is unlikely to affect the country. The typhoon was last spotted about 2,570 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h and gusts of up to 150 km/h, moving north-northeast at 15 km/h.
“Bagamat may binabantayan tayong bagyo sa labas ng ating area of responsibility, napakababa ng tsansa na ito ay makaapekto sa alinmang bahagi ng bansa dahil sa direksyon nitong papalayo,” said weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia.
Instead, the more immediate concern is the heat.
“Mas dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ng publiko ang umiiral na init at mataas na heat index, na maaaring umabot sa danger level sa ilang lugar, kabilang ang Metro Manila,” Galicia added.
Temperatures are expected to climb further, with Metro Manila forecast to reach up to 34°C and Tuguegarao City up to 37°C. Across the country, the heat index may range from 38°C to 42°C, with some areas such as Butuan City previously recording up to 44°C, classified under the “danger level.”
Health authorities warn that such conditions increase the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses, especially during prolonged exposure to the sun.
“Pinapayuhan ang lahat na manatiling hydrated at iwasan ang matagal na pagbibilad sa araw, lalo na sa tanghali hanggang hapon,” Galicia said.
No gale warnings have been raised, and sea conditions across the country are expected to remain slight to moderate. However, the public is still advised to stay alert for sudden thunderstorms while taking precautions against extreme heat.
