Thunderstorms, flashfloods to hit Metro

After the sweltering heat, expect thunderstorms, heavy rains, and most likely, flashfloods this weekend.

The public was asked to brace for thunderstorms in some parts of Metro Manila, particularly Quezon City and San Juan, and Bataan as the state weather bureau warned of heavy rains and flashfloods in critical and floodprone areas of the metropolis.

In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the ridge of a high pressure area is affecting Luzon bringing with it partly cloudy to cloudy skies with

isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over the whole country mostly in the afternoon and in the evening.

In a related development, PAGASA said this weekend’s heat index will reach close to 40 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao, Cagayan and other parts of the Visayas.

Also known as the “init factor,’’ the heat index tells what air feels like based on actual air temperature and humidity.

Early next week, the state weather bureau said the heat index may reach 40.1 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila.

Today, Tuguegarao and Metro Cebu are expected to have the highest heat index at 39.4 degrees Celsius.

Heat index in Metro Manila may reach at 38.8 degrees Celsius while Metro Davao may have a heat index of 38.6 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA predicted that Legazpi City may experience a heat index of 38.5 degrees Celsius while Puerto Princesa, Iloilo and Bacolod Cities may have heat indexes of 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Tomorrow, PAGASA said Iloilo and Bacolod are expected to have the highest heat index at 39.6 degrees Celsius while Metro Cebu may experience a heat index of 39.3 degrees Celsius.

Also on Sunday, Metro Manila may experience a heat index of 39.0 degrees Celsius while the heat indexes of Tuguegarao and Legazpi may reach 38.9 degrees Celsius.

On June 1, the first day of classes for the current year, heat indexes in Iloilo, Bacolod and Metro Cebu may hit the 39.6 degrees Celsius mark while the heat index in Tacloban and Zamboanga may reach 38.3 degrees Celsius.

Metro Manila may have a heat index of 39 degrees Celsius while the heat indexes in Tuguegarao and Laoag may reach up to 38.5 degrees Celsius.

On Tuesday, (June 2) Metro Manila is expected to have the highest heat index at 40.1 degrees Celsius while Tuguegarao and Legazpi City will have heat indexes of 38.4 degrees Celsius and 38.7 degrees Celsius respectively.

Iloilo and Bacolod will likely have heat indexes of 39.1 degrees Celsius while the heat index in Metro Cebu may reach the 39.5 degrees Celsius range.

PAGASA warned the public that a heat index between 32 and 41 degrees Celsius may cause fatigue especially with extended exposure and activity under the scorching heat of the sun.