'Global Boiling': Metro Manila hits all-time high record of 45°C heat index

Metro Manila reached a new all-time high record of 45°C heat index on Saturday, according to Katrina Son’s report on 24 Oras Weekend.

Earlier today,  PAGASA recorded 45°C at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and 42°C at Quezon City Science Garden. Both were at the "danger" level classified by PAGASA.

At least 44 areas in the country are in the danger level, and are being monitored by the state weather bureau. The highest is in Aparri, Cagayan at 48°C followed by Virac, Catanduanes at 47°C.

“Pwede sa ibang lugar po ay magkaroon pa rin po ng mga record high hanggang sa second week po ng May,” said PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar.

(It is possible that in other places there will be record highs until the second week of May.)

Dealing with the heat

During extremely hot temperatures, experts advise not to leave the house unless necessary and to always drink water to stay hydrated.

“Up to 35 degrees kaya pa ng katawan na mag-cope up kaya pa ng katawan na mag-adapt through its own mechanism yun nga magpapawis tayo to try to bring down that temperature. Pero pag mas mataas na dun hindi na parang mao-overwhelm na yung body to regulate its own temperature,” said Doctor Kevin Royce Ong, adult neurologist.

(Up to 35 degrees, the body can still cope, the body can still adapt through its mechanism, and that's why we sweat to try to bring down the temperature. But when it's higher than that, the body would be overwhelmed in regulating its own temperature.)

When experiencing dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or loss of balance, it is best to see a doctor immediately.

‘Global boiling’

Since 2023, the United Nations has warned the public of “global boiling.”

“The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in June 2023.

According to Greenpeace, the hot temperatures several countries have been experiencing have become more intense and deadly.

“Yung global boiling po talaga is to emphasize yung urgency ang yung state and yung severity ng nangyayari ngayon. Since 1980’s alam na po natin na tumataas yung temperatura natin marami na pong scientists ang nakapag-prove nito,” said Jefferson Chua, Greenpeace campaigner.

(Global boiling really is meant to emphasize the urgency of the state and the severity of what is happening now. Since the 1980's we have known that our temperature is rising, and many scientists have been able to prove it.)

To address the situation, Guterres is encouraging the countries to take action. He also emphasized the role of the world's 20 most developed countries and fossil fuel companies in curbing global emissions.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News