MANILA – The majority of regions in the Philippines will maintain warm conditions with sporadic rain showers attributed to the easterlies, the National Weather Bureau reported on Wednesday (24 April 2024).

The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) currently affecting southern Mindanao, however, is expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over the Davao Region, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall in these areas may lead to flash floods or landslides.

Elsewhere in the country, isolated rain showers are anticipated due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

According to PAGASA forecaster Obert Badrina, no active weather disturbances are observed within or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“It is unlikely that any tropical cyclone will enter or develop within PAR throughout the week,” he added.

Soaring temperatures

Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to soar to 38°C in Tuguegarao; 35°C in Metro Manila, and 34°C in Kalayaan Islands and Puerto Princesa.

PAGASA has forecasted heat indices ranging from 42°C to 45°C in several areas, where conditions could be particularly sweltering:

NAIA – 42°C
PAGASA Science Garden, Quezon City – 42°C
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44°C
Bacnota, La Union – 42°C
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43°C
Echague, Isabela – 43°C
Clark Airport, Pampanga – 42°C
Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 43°C
Baler, Aurora – 42°C
Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
Subic, Olongapo City – 42°C
Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
Tanuan, Batangas – 42°C
Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42°C
Coron, Palawan – 42°C
Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 44°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 44°C
Virac, Catanduanes – 43°C
Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
Pili, Camarines Sur – 43°C
Roxas, Capiz – 45°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 45°C
Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 43°C
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43°C

Heat index indicates how the temperature feels to the human body when relative humidity is factored in.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible under dangerous heat indices ranging from 41°C to 51°C, and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to heat stroke.

PAGASA also reported that the country will continue to experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.

(By el Amigo/MNM)