Metro Manila and several areas across the country are expected to experience danger-level heat index on Tuesday, May 19, the state weather bureau said.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the heat index, or “apparent temperature,” refers to how hot it feels to the human body when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.
Pagasa classifies heat index values from 42°C to 51°C under the “danger” category, warning that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure to heat.
Meanwhile, heat index values from 33°C to 41°C fall under the “extreme caution” category, where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, while heat stroke may occur during prolonged physical activity under the sun.
In Pagasa’s latest briefing this Tuesday, Pagasa weather specialist Veronica Torres said in Filipino: “Today, the heat index in Metro Manila is forecast to range from 40°C to 43°C.”
As of 5 p.m. Monday, Metro Manila posted 41 to 43°C while Sangley Point also logged the country’s highest computed heat index at 45°C.
Other areas that recorded 44°C were Virac, Catanduanes; Masbate City, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Catarman, Northern Samar.
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