Metro heat index hits 42 ºC

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index the temperature as felt by the human body in Metro Manila hit 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This was the highest heat index recorded so far this year in the metro.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index was recorded at the PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City at 1:50 p.m. 

PAGASA said high air temperatures and high relative humidity result in high apparent temperatures or indices. 

The weather agency classifies heat index of 41 to 54 degrees Celsius as “dangerous.”At this level, “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and that “heat stroke is probable with continued activity,” it said.The maximum air temperature in the metro yesterday, however, was 35.2 degrees Celsius, lower than Tuesday’s 35.8 degrees Celsius.PAGASA said Metro Manila’s temperature may hit 36 degrees Celsius this week. The warm temperature brought by the easterlies also triggered thunderstorms in some parts of the country. As of 3:30 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA issued thunderstorm warning over Zambales, Pampanga, Rizal and Quezon.

Moderate to heavy rains due to thunderstorms were also experienced in Quezon City and Marikina City; Calamba, Laguna; and Talisay and Tanauan, Batangas.