The province of Palawan is set to experience its warmest days this week as its temperature could likely reach 41 degrees Celsius, the state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
Ariel Abalos, the local weather specialist of the PAGASA, said the province may observe sunny and fine weather with humid temperature.
“Makakaranas tayo ng mainit at maaliwalas na panahon at minsan ay nakararanas tayo ng mainit talaga sa pakiramdam so far sa ngayon ang forecast ng heat index ay maaaring umabot ng 41°Celsius,” he said.
Abalos said the accurate heat index is usually observed at the peak of the heat at 2:00 in the afternoon.
The possible increase of the heat index varies if the observed temperature and relative humidity are both high.
Heat index refers to the actual feel of temperature, Abalos pointed out.
He added that the heat index that may be experienced will range from 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in Puerto Princesa City.
Abalos said Cuyo, Palawan, had already recorded a heat index of 41.4 degree Celsius on April 4. The highest, on the other hand, which is 44.5 degree Celsius was recorded by PAGASA in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
Abalos said that reaching the heat index of 41 to 54 degree Celsius is considered dangerous to the human body.
“Yes, 41 to 54 ay considered na dangerous na siya na kung masyadong expose ka sa labas ng mga building sa labas ng bahay kaya as much as possible ay iwasan muna magkaroon ng mga outdoor activities o mag-expose sa araw dahil dangerous talaga sa ating katawan,” he added.
The agency reminded the public to put sunscreen if they go to the beach to protect their skins.
Meanwhile, isolated rain showers can still be expected in elevated areas due to the orographic lifting or formation of clouds on mountains, Abalos said.
