Over 52°C heat index possible this warm, dry season — PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said an “extremely dangerous” heat index of 52 degrees Celsius (°C) or higher may be expected this warm and dry season.

PAGASA defined the heat index as the heat discomfort perceived or felt by the human body.

It said a heat index of 52°C or higher indicates "extreme danger.”

In the “Bagong Pilipinas” interview on Thursday, April 18, Pagasaclimatology and Agrometeorology (CAD) Chief Ana Liza Solis said that with direct exposure to the sun, heat stroke is “imminent,” or “probable” in areas under extreme danger level of heat indices.

However, Solis said a heat index of 55°C may be “unrealistic,” wherein the relative humidity is very high, possibly producing localized thunderstorms.

“Kapag may mga lugar na sobrang init, nagkakaroon ng cloudiness, iyong mga clouds na iyon could form as clouds na magiging localized thunderstorm activities (When it is very hot in certain areas, there will be cloudiness, the clouds could lead to localized thunderstorm activities),” she said.

Solis also noted that based on history, the months of April and May have the highest recorded temperature.

“Nakikita natin na possible pa rin na tataas at iinit ang ating temperatura pagdating ng Mayo asahan natin lalong-lalo na sa may parte ng Cagayan Valley area, Isabela, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon area, karatig na probinsya ng Metro Manila tulad ng Batangas, Cavite, at mga coastal areas din (We are seeing that the temperature in May may possibly increase, more particularly in the Cagayan Valley area, Isabela, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon area, nearby provinces from Metro Manila like Batangas, Cavite, and coastal areas),” she said.

Solis added that in the past two days, around 16 to 17 areas had experienced “dangerous” heat indices particularly ranging from 42 to 48°C based on PAGASA’S daily report.

She advised the public to drink plenty of water, limit time spent outdoors particularly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., avoid drinking coffee, soda, and tea, and schedule heavy-duty activities in the afternoon when the temperature gets lower.