High heat index expected in May, says PAGASA

The weather bureau PAGASA has warned of even warmer days ahead.

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras", the heat index is expected to hit 56°C in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and 50°C in Cabanatuan

Marcelino Villafuerte, PAGASA Climate Impact Assessment and Application Section Climatology and Agrometeorology Division chief, said high temperatures are also expected in May.

"Last year, May 1 natin na-record  ‘yung pinakamataas... about 55 degrees celsius heat index natin for Dagupan,” he said.

(We recorded the highest heat index of 55°C last year in Dagupan.)

“During the month of May din po, nandoon din 'yung na-observe natin na mataas 'yung drive of temperature atsaka 'yung relative humidity so expect natin na magiging mataas ang values ng heat index,” he added.

(We also observed during the month of May that the drive temperature and humidity increased so we can expect higher values of heat indices.)

On Thursday, the heat index was at 43°C in Dagupan in Pangasinan and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.

“Talagang mainit po yun and nasa extreme danger level na siya maaaring mangyari ‘yung  heat stroke o ‘yung  heat stress so kailangan po natin iwasan...Katirikan ng araw from 10 a.m. to about 2 p.m.,” Villafuerte said.

(That is warm because that’s under extreme danger level. Heat strokes and heat stress may occur due to heat that’s why we need to avoid being under the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated