ILOILO City – This April, heat index readings range from 39 to 44 degrees Celsius across Western Visayas.
As temperatures soar, residents are on high alert for the possibility of the heat index surpassing 50 degrees Celsius in the coming month of May.
But Ferdinand Rubin Jr., a weather specialist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Iloilo, considers the probability of reaching a 50-degree Celsius heat index to be low.
“The chances are quite slim. Based on our records from past years, we haven’t reached the 50 degrees Celsius mark. The highest we have on record is 44 degrees Celsius,” Rubin said.
He further emphasized the critical categories of heat indices, with 52 degrees Celsius and above constituting an “extreme danger category” and anything from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius labeled as “danger category”.
He warned that reaching the extreme danger category could result in imminent health dangers, including heat stroke and other serious health conditions.
“When we hit the extreme danger category, the risk of heat stroke becomes very high,” he added.
So far, the highest heat index recorded this April by PAGASA-Iloilo has been 44 degrees Celsius, on April 15, 22, and 23.
Rubin reiterated that, although the likelihood of surpassing 50 degrees Celsius is low, temperatures will not fall below 40 degrees Celsius due to the prevailing hot and dry season, which is expected to continue through May with prevailing Easterlies winds.
Rubin continues to advise the public to take precautions against the heat, particularly advising against prolonged exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Even at 4 p.m., the sun’s rays remain intense,” he said, also advising those on medication not to forget their doses before going out, as the heat can trigger health issues.
Echoing Rubin’s concerns, Dr. John Manalo, another weather specialist, told GMA Integrated News that some areas of the country might experience extreme danger levels next month.
“There are already many areas in our country experiencing the danger category when it comes to heat index. And the possibility of reaching extreme danger levels is there as we approach the month of May,” Manalo cautioned.
Manalo noted that the highest heat index values are typically recorded in May as relative humidity increases. He identified low-lying areas, especially those near bodies of water, as particularly susceptible to high heat indices, highlighting places like Aborlan in Palawan, Dagupan in Pangasinan, Tuguegarao in Cagayan, and parts of Samar and Mindanao.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to stay informed and prepared for potentially hazardous conditions./PN
