Phl sizzles despite thunderstorms

MANILA, Philippines – Several parts of the country continue to experience scorching heat despite the isolated thunderstorms that bring rains in the afternoon and evening, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Actual heat index observed by the state weather bureau showed that Cabanatuan City sizzled at 52.3 degrees Celsius at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, matching the record set in the city earlier this month.

The heat index in Metro Manila on Tuesday peaked at 39.6 degrees in Science Garden in Quezon City and 43.2 degrees in Port Area in Manila at around 2 p.m.

Hours after the record heat index was recorded in Cabanatuan City, PAGASA issued a thunderstorm warning in Nueva Ecija and provinces in Central Luzon early evening on Tuesday.

Isolated thunderstorms were also recorded in Metro Manila and Calabarzon over the past week.

Based on the extended weather outlook released by PAGASA, most parts of the country will experience partly cloudy skies with possibility of isolated thunderstorms.

The weather bureau said the tail-end of a cold front affected northern Luzon yesterday, while the easterlies – which bring warm air from the Pacific – is affecting the eastern section of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The heat index, or human discomfort index, gives the apparent temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. It is based on the actual temperature and relative humidity.

“High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by nine degrees,” added PAGASA.

A heat index between 41 to 54 degrees is considered dangerous and likely to cause cramps, exhaustion and even heat stroke after continuous activity.