Dangerous heat index up in 19 areas on April 21; thunderstorms expected in Mindanao
Metro Manila, Philippines - A heat index of 42 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius is expected over 19 areas on Monday, April 21, while cloudy skies with chances of thunderstorms may be felt in Mindanao, the state weather bureau said.
Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Aparri town in Cagayan may experience a heat index of 44 degrees Celsius or within the “danger” category, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its forecast.
Sweltering heat of 43 degrees Celsius may be felt in:
+ Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
+ ISU Echague, Isabela
+ Cubi Port, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
+ San Idelfonso, Bulacan
+ Sangley Point, Cavite City
The following areas may register heat index of 42 degrees Celsius:
+ NAIA, Pasay City
+ Bacnotan, La Union
+ Casiguran, Aurora
+ Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
+ San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
+ Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
+ Daet, Camarines Norte
+Masbate City
+ CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
+ Dumangas, Iloilo
+ Catarman, Northern Samar
+ Zamboanga City
Health officials said extreme heat may cause fatigue, cramps, and stroke. They advised the public to drink water regularly, limit outdoor activities, and use or apply sun protection.
PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said fair weather conditions will persist in Luzon until noon, but advised localities of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms by late afternoon to evening.
Meanwhile, the warm easterlies and the intertropical convergence zone will affect the weather in southern Philippines.
“Itong eastern and southern sections ng Mindanao, asahan natin for the next 24 hours ang mataas tiyansa ng mga kaulapan at kalat-kalat na pag-ulan, pagkulog, at pagkidlat,” Villamil said in an early morning briefing.
[Translation: The eastern and southern sections of Mindanao should expect a high chance of cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms for the next 24 hours.]
Villamil also said there is no low pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
