Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) — The scorching summer heat will likely remain for the rest of the month, the country’s state weather bureau said on Thursday.
“Itong summer, itong tag-init, posibleng mag-last pa ito (This summer will possibly last) until third or fourth week of May,” said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (PAGASA) weather forecaster Loriedin dela Cruz told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon.
She added that the country had recorded on May 5 its highest temperature for 2020 to date, which is 40 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao.
On the same day, Metro Manila hit 37.3 degrees Celsius, its hottest temperature in the year so far.
Meanwhile, seven PAGASA stations have posted a heat index ranging from 46 to 49 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the agency reported.
The heat index refers to temperature apparently perceived by the human body, explained dela Cruz. It is acquired by recording temperature by using a thermometer, which will then be used in a formula along with the relative humidity for the day.
According to PAGASA, a heat index of 41 to 54 degrees Celsius is dangerous, as it might cause heat cramps and exhaustion. These might lead to a heat stroke with prolonged physical activity.
“Usually po, nar-record ang maximum temperatures natin from 11:30 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon, so yun po talaga yung i-avoid natin, yung peak na yun,” advised dela Cruz.
[Translation: Usually, maximum temperatures are recorded from 11:30 in morning to 3 in the afternoon, so let’s avoid that peak.]
She also recommended avoiding direct exposure to sunlight as much as possible, ensuring proper ventilation in homes, and drinking eight to ten glasses a day to stay hydrated amid the hot weather.
TINGNAN: Top 7 PAGASA Synoptic Stations na nakapagtala ng pinakamaalinsangang panahon ngayong Huwebes, 7 Mayo.
Panganib ang dulot ng 41-54°C na heat index. Posible ang heat cramps at heat exhaustion na maaaring mauwi sa heat stroke kapag tuluy-tuloy ang physical activity. pic.twitter.com/b6eLBQafkB
— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) May 7, 2020
