April 28, 2023 20
WITH the easterlies expected to bring hot, humid weather across the country, residents especially in Metro Manila may experience as high as 40 degrees Celsius heat index on Friday, according to the state-run weather agency.
Weather specialist Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reminded the public anew that going outdoors, especially during noontime and early afternoon when the heat is most intense must be limited.
"But if it is really necessary, make sure to cover your body against the sun and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water to avoid heat cramps and heat exhaustion, among others," he told The Manila Times.
Other areas like Tuguegarao City, Dagupan City, Cabanatuan City, Laoag City, Legazpi City and San Jose (Mindoro) will also experience even higher heat index, Pagasa said.
Although weather disturbance is unlikely until Labor Day, May 1, the state weather bureau said the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) spotted near the Mindanao area may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility over the weekend or on the first day of May.
"This may bring rain showers over the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao where a low pressure area may be formed within the ITCZ," Estareja said.
ITCZ, according to Pagasa, is an imaginary line where the northern and southern air meet and bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
In particular, Pagasa said that Metro Manila and the rest of the country will likely have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with occasional downpours and thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.
