57°C EXTREME DANGER HEAT INDEX MIGHT BE RECORDED IN PHILIPPINES

The heat recorded in Metro Manila is extraordinary and the heat index in Zambales has reached dangerous levels. 38.8°C was recorded on Metro Manila this Saturday which was the highest temperature recorded in the history of Manila with a heat index of 45°C which is considered dangerous in health.

Much hotter days on May (Photo courtesy of Grig Montegrande/Inquirer)

And for the first time this summer, the heat index in Iba Zambales reached extreme danger at 53°C on Sunday. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index in the Philippines could be much higher than the heat index recorded in Zambales that could reach extreme danger level of 57°C.

"Avoid outdoor activities because it can cause difficulty in breathing, heat exhaustion, spasms, or sudden darkening of vision to the point of vomiting. The elderly, children, their vulnerability is higher, and they are more easily affected when it is in the danger level category or they go out to direct sunlight," Climatologist Dr. John Manalo of PAGASA stated.

But it's not only hot during the day, even at night the heat of the season can still be felt. The lowest temperature in Pasay was over 30°C on Saturday night and Sunday morning, which is not surprising according to PAGASA.

"One of the reasons why the temperature is higher in Pasay is because it is surrounded by buildings, concrete structures that have a high heat capacity, which means it can hold heat for a longer period of time. This results in trapping or enhancing the warming temperature," PAGASA added.

The extreme heat is not only felt in the Philippines, in Asia the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Bangladesh are expected to hit 40 plus degree Celsius. This can be considered a heat wave which according to PAGASA has a low chance of happening in the Philippines. The World Meteorological Organization has said that there is nothing to blame for the alarming increase in temperature in Asia but climate change.  

Source: Philippine Star

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