PAGASA issues extreme heat danger alert

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Laoag City in Ilocos Sur may reach 48 degrees Celsius on the first day of April, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said this corresponds to an ”extreme danger level” on its heat index chart.

It said the heat index may reach up to 44 degrees Celsius tomorrow.

The highest heat index recorded so far was 47 degrees Celsius in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 25 and in Butuan City in Agusan del Norte on March 24.

PAGASA said extreme caution should be taken during these temperature surges.

The agency warned the public that high temperatures may have adverse effects on the body, such as fatigue, cramps, exhaustion and stroke.

The actual heat index – human discomfort or the temperature felt by the body relative to high humidity – may be about two degrees higher than recorded temperatures.

PAGASA had raised the alert level to El Niño watch as the probability of its occurrence had reached 55 percent or higher.

It said the El Niño phenomenon would likely develop from July to September following a transition from the current neutral conditions in the El Niño southern oscillation.

The phenomenon, which increases the likelihood of below normal rainfall conditions, may last until the first quarter of 2024.

It may result in dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country, with forecasters expecting early impact on the Visayas and Mindanao.