State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Black Saturday, April 19, said parts of Luzon are under extreme heat, while thunderstorms in eastern Mindanao may lead to flooding and landslides.
“Patuloy pa ring umiiral ang easterlies o ‘yung mainit na hangin mula sa dagat Pasipiko sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa kung saan ngayong araw ay magdadala ito ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tiyansa ng pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog dito sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao. So pag-iingat po para sa ating mga kababayan diyan, sa posibilidad ng pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa (The easterlies continue to affect much of the country and today will bring cloudy skies and a high chance of rain, lightning, and thunder to the eastern part of Mindanao. Residents are advised to take precautions due to possible flooding and landslides),” said PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda.
Per PAGASA, parts of Luzon are expected to experience extreme heat on Black Saturday, with the heat index hitting 44°C in Ambulong (Tanauan, Batangas) and Infanta (Quezon), 43°C in NAIA (Pasay), and 41°C in Quezon City.
The agency classifies a heat index between 42°C and 51°C as “Danger,” meaning heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure.
“Samantala, sa nalalabing bahagi naman ng ating bansa ay patuloy pa ring makakaranas ng mainit maalinsangan na panahon lalong-lalo na sa tanghali at mayroon pa rin po tayong mga posibilidad ng mga isolated o mga biglaang pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog na dulot ng easterlies (Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather, especially at noon, with chances of isolated thunderstorms caused by the easterlies),” Castañeda added.
Despite the unstable weather, PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone or low pressure area currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
“And sa kasalukuyan, wala tayong mino-monitor na bagyo or low pressure area na maaring makapaapekto sa ating bansa (As of now, we are not monitoring any typhoon or low pressure area that could affect the country),” Castañeda said.
PAGASA has advised the public to stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and monitor local thunderstorm and heat index advisories.
