MANILA — The Philippine weather bureau issued a stark warning as at least 35 regions nationwide are projected to face perilous heat indices on Wednesday (01 May 2024).

Leading the heat surge is Pili, Camarines Sur, expecting a scorching 48°C, followed closely by Dagupan City, Pangasinan, and Aparri, Cagayan, both bracing for a stifling 47°C.

The heat index denotes the perceived temperature experienced by the human body when relative humidity intertwines with the air temperature.

Numerous areas are forecasted to witness heat indices ranging from 42°C to 45°C:

Pasay City: 43°C
Quezon City: 42°C
Sinait, Ilocos Sur: 42°C
Laoag, Ilocos Norte: 45°C
Batac, Ilocos Norte: 43°C
Bacnotan, La Union: 43°C
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 45°C
Echague, Isabela: 44°C
Iba, Zambales: 43°C
Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: 42°C
Baler, Aurora: 43°C
Casiguran, Aurora: 44°C
Subic Bay, Olongapo City: 42°C
Sangley Point, Cavite: 43°C
Alabat, Quezon: 43°C
Coron, Palawan: 44°C
San Jose, Oriental Mindoro: 44°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 45°C
Aborlan, Palawan: 44°C
Daet, Camarines Norte: 43°C
Legazpi, Albay: 42°C
Virac, Catanduanes: 45°C
Masbate City, Masbate: 45°C
Roxas City, Capiz: 44°C
Mambusao, Capiz: 42°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo: 44°C
Dumangas, Iloilo: 44°C
La Carlota, Negros Occidental: 43°C
Catarman, Northern Samar: 43°C
Catbalogan, Samar: 42°C
Tacloban City, Leyte: 43°C
Guiuan, Eastern Samar: 42°C

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) categorized heat indices ranging from 41°C to 51°C as perilous.

Under this classification, individuals may suffer from heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to heatstroke.

ITCZ and Easterlies Forecast Cloudy Conditions

In the forecast, PAGASA highlighted the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is set to influence southern Mindanao, inducing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and Sulu.

Conversely, the easterlies will impact the remainder of the nation, including Metro Manila, where cloudy to overcast skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are anticipated.

PAGASA cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall in these regions may trigger flash floods or landslides.

Across the archipelago, light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas are expected.

(By el Amigo/MNM)