Extreme heat hits Philippines

Extreme heat scorched the Philippines yesterday, forcing some schools to suspend in-person classes and prompting warnings for people to limit time spent outdoors.

March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest in the nation, but conditions this year have been exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

“It’s so hot you can’t breathe,” said Erlin Tumaron, 60, who works at a resort in Cavite province, south of Manila, where the heat index reached 47°C on Tuesday.

“It’s surprising our pools are still empty. You would expect people to come and take a swim, but it seems they’re reluctant to leave their homes because of the heat.”

The heat index was expected to reach the “danger” level of 42°C or higher in at least 30 cities and municipalities yesterday, the state weather forecaster said.

The heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.

There was a 50 per cent chance of the heat intensifying in the coming days, said Ana Solis, chief climatologist at the state weather forecaster.

“We need to limit the time we spend outdoors, drink plenty of water, bring umbrellas and hats when going outdoors.”

Solis said El Nino was the reason for the “extreme heat” affecting swathes of the country.

About half the country’s provinces are officially in drought. The northern municipality of Aparri endured a heat index of 48°C on Tuesday, the highest in the country, and was expected to hit 45°C yesterday.

The actual maximum air temperature was 36.4°C on Tuesday, with 35°C forecast yesterday.