THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday warned residents of Metro Manila that sweltering heat may persist in the next three to four days.
It said Metro Manila may experience a heat index of 39 to 41 degrees Celsius, with actual temperature of 34.9 to 39 degrees.
PAGASA defines heat index as the “apparent temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.” It said high air temperatures and high relative humidity will give “high apparent temperatures or indices.” Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8 degrees, it also said.
Heat indices of 32 to 41 degrees may result in heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke,
PAGASA also said hot and humid weather is still expected to persist in the country due to the easterlies, or warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean.
However, isolated rain showers and thunderstorms may occur in some parts of the country, in the afternoon and evening.
Dagupan City in Pangasinan yesterday experienced the highest heat index of 49 degrees, with actual temperature of 34.8 degrees recorded at 2 p.m., and humidity of 68 percent.
Dagupan was among around 20 areas nationwide that recorded a heat index of 41 degrees and higher on Sunday. On May 14, it recorded the year’s record-high heat index of 53 degrees.
Sangley Point Cavite yesterday experienced a heat index of 46 degrees with actual temperature of 39.9 degrees and 44.89 percent humidity.
PAGASA is advising the public to stay indoors as much as possible and out of the sunshine; wear lightweight and light colored clothing; drink plenty of water regularly and avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body; eat small meals but eat more often; and avoid eating foods of high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.
