MANILA — High temperatures and isolated rain showers are forecasted across Luzon for Wednesday, as the ridge of a high-pressure area continues to influence the eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon.

Tuguegarao City may experience temperatures soaring up to 39°C, while Metro Manila could see highs of up to 35°C. Other areas such as the Kalayaan Islands, Puerto Princesa, Laoag, Tagaytay, and Zamboanga might reach temperatures of up to 34°C.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index – the temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature – could climb to 44°C in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas.

Bacnotan, La Union; Sangley Point, Cavite; Pili, Camarines Sur; Iloilo City, and Dumangas, Iloilo; and Catarman, Northern Samar, might experience a heat index of 43°C. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Aparri, Cagayan; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Subic Bay, Olongapo; Virac, Catanduanes; and Tacloban City, Leyte, could reach a heat index of 42°C.

PAGASA identifies a heat index ranging from 41°C to 51°C as a danger level, where heat cramps and heat exhaustion become likely. Continued exposure to such conditions could lead to heat stroke.

Meanwhile, PAGASA anticipates scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Davao Region and Soccsksargen due to the trough of a low-pressure area (LPA). These regions may experience moderate to heavy rains, potentially resulting in flash floods or landslides.

PAGASA forecaster Obet Badrina noted that while the LPA is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone, its trough will affect the southeastern portion of Mindanao, leading to increased chances of rains and thunderstorms. He also mentioned a slim chance for the country to experience a tropical cyclone throughout the week.

The rest of the archipelago is expected to have isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms, with light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas prevailing across the country.

(el Amigo/MNM)