MM heat index hits 40.1ºC

Metro Manila sizzled yesterday at 40.1 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The state weather bureau’s Heat Index Forecast also showed 39.3 and 39.0 degrees Celsius, for Iloilo/Bacolod City and Tuguegarao City, respectively. PAGASA explained the heat index is the amount of human discomfort or what people perceive or feel in the air temperature. High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8°C.

Weather experts advised the public to exercise extreme caution if heat index reaches 32 to 41 degrees Celsius, adding they may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continuing activity could also result in heatstroke.