The country stepped into another sweltering day under mostly warm conditions as the state weather bureau forecast widespread heat and unstable skies across the archipelago on Saturday.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its 4 a.m. advisory, said most parts of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms despite the prevailing warm weather pattern.
PAGASA also reported that light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will dominate much of the country, while moderate winds and seas are expected over the eastern section of Northern Luzon.
The bureau flagged dangerously high heat conditions, with the heat index expected to peak at 43°C in Dumangas, Iloilo, posing potential health risks for prolonged outdoor exposure.
In Metro Manila, heat index levels are projected to range from 39°C to 41°C, keeping the capital region under oppressive daytime conditions.
Several other areas are also expected to experience extreme heat, with 41°C forecast in Sangley Point in Cavite, Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, and Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur.
A 40°C heat index is also likely in multiple locations including Aparri and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, Baler in Aurora, San Ildefonso in Bulacan, Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac City, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, Coron and Aborlan in Palawan, Legazpi City in Albay, Iloilo City, Catbalogan in Western Samar, Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, Davao City, Cotabato City, and Butuan City.
The heat index refers to the temperature felt by the human body when humidity is factored in with actual air temperature, and PAGASA has repeatedly cautioned that prolonged exposure to high levels can increase risks of heat-related illnesses.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Sinlaku remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, last tracked almost stationary 2,715 kilometers east of Northeastern Mindanao.
The storm carries maximum sustained winds of 110 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph, though it currently poses no direct threat to the country.
Despite the absence of any direct tropical cyclone impact, PAGASA said localized thunderstorms may still bring sudden rain in affected areas even under generally warm conditions.
Image: Mayo Clinic
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