Heat indices hit dangerous levels
Heat indices have hit dangerous levels in numerous areas in the country, including Metro Manila.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) observed the highest heat index in the country in Guiuan, Eastern Samar where a “dangerous” 49.2°C was recorded on Thursday.
The weather agency described heat index as a human discomfort index that gives the "apparent" temperature
or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affects their body.
High air temperatures and high relative humidity are the factors considered in heat index which give high apparent temperatures or indices.
The state weather bureau considers heat indices of 41°C to 54°C as "dangerous," meaning heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and a heat stroke is probable with continued activity.
In Metro Manila, a dangerous level of heat index was recorded at PAGASA's NAIA Station in Pasay City with 43.2°C; and in Port Area, Manila at 41.4°C on Thursday.
Other areas where a dangerous heat index was recorded are Ambulong, Batangas at 45.8°C; Daet, Camarines Norte at 44.6°C; Dagupan City, Pangasinan at 44.5°C; Sangley Point, Cavite at 44.4°C; Casiguran, Aurora at 42.4°C; Masbate City, Masbate at 42.2°C; Clark Airport, Pampanga at 42.1°C; Tayabas City, Quezon at 41.8°C; Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte at 41.6°C; Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte at 41.4°C; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro at 41.3°C; Legazpi City, Albay at 41.2°C; and Roxas City, Capiz at 41.1°C.
Meanwhile, fair weather will continue to prevail around the country for the rest of the Holy Week as no weather disturbance is being monitored near the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau said on Friday.
PAGASA weather specialist Ariel Rojas said there was no looming tropical cyclone expected to enter the country in the next three days.
In the bureau's latest weather update, easterlies – the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean – is still the prevailing weather condition around the country which affects Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Due to the easterlies, Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers is expected to prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country caused by localized thunderstorms.