Residents of Cuyo, Palawan are advised to take precautionary measures as the heat index in the area is expected to reach a dangerous level of 42°C today, March 7, according to the latest forecast from the state weather bureau.
On March 6, the heat index in Cuyo was also recorded at 42°C. The highest was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, at 45°C.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Obet Badrina said a heat index of 42°C falls under the “danger” category, which means long exposure to the sun could lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heath stroke.
“Kapag sinabi nating heat index, ito yung nararamdamang init ng ating katawan. Pinagsama itong temperatura na nami-measure o nasusukat ng mga thermometer. Gayun din yung halumigmig o yung moisture ng hangin. Kapag pinagsama natin yun, ito yung heat index o nararamdamang init ng ating katawan,” Badrina explained.
He urged the public, especially the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions, to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The outlook comes as temperatures continue to soar across the nation, with dangerously high heat indices also being recorded in Dagupan City, Zambales, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. The heat index is predicted to reach between 39 and 40°C in Metro Manila.
He stated that the intense heat results from the slow decline of the northeast monsoon (amihan) and the increasing influence of the easterlies, which transport warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean.
“Sa pag-iral nga ng amihan, posibleng ito na po yung mga huling bugso ng amihan bago tayo pumasok sa panahon ng tag-init. Dulot ng easterlies o yung hangin mula sa Karagatang Pasipiko, mas nagdadala ito ng mainit at maalinsangang panahon sa ating bansa,” Badrina pointed out.
“Kaya mag-ingat po tayo. Iwasan natin lumabas sa bandang tanghali, kung saan nasusukat natin yung pinakamainit na heat index,” he added.
The Department of Health (DOH) said that to prevent heat-related illnesses, residents should keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, minimize sun exposure, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing, cool down with damp garments or towels, and monitor for heat sickness signs.
Badrina said that three weather systems—the northeast monsoon, the easterlies, and shear line—are currently affecting the country’s weather conditions.
Easterlies, which are warm winds from the Pacific, are creating sporadic thunderstorms and rain showers across the eastern regions of Mindanao and Visayas, while the northeast monsoon is still bringing isolated light rainfall over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
As a result of the shear line that forms when warm and cold air masses collide, he said Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, Aurora, and parts of Northern and Central Luzon should anticipate moderate to heavy rainfall. Flash floods and landslides are probable in certain places.
For the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and most of Central Luzon, warm weather with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening is expected.
Badrina said there is no tropical cyclone activity in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and no low-pressure area is under observation. This indicates that there is little probability of storm development during the weekend.
Due to strong northeast monsoon winds, PAGASA has issued a gale warning for the seas around Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. Small sea vessels and fishing boats are recommended not to enter these locations owing to severe to very rough waves.
