Metro Manila– The heat reached dangerous levels in many locations around the country on April 22 (Saturday) and is expected to maintain scorching temperatures into next week, the state weather bureau warned.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded high Heat Index levels which it classified as dangerous in the following areas around the country:
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, 42°C; Catarman, Northern Samar, 42°C; Clark Airport, Pampanga, 42°C; Dagupan City, Pangasinan, 43°C; Davao City, Davao Del Sur, 43°C; Iba, Zambales, 42°C; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, 42°C; Legazpi City, Albay, 43°C; Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City, 42°C.
PAGASA defined the Heat Index as the temperature that the human body feels.
Based on the agency’s Heat Index scale, temperatures from 42°C to 51°C are considered in “danger” category. It said the effects of this level of heat on the body include heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and probable heat stroke with continued exposure.
Temperatures 52°C and higher are classified in “extreme danger” category. Heat stroke is imminent at this level, PAGASA said.
The agency’s five-day heat index forecast said that General Santos City, South Cotabato could experience dangerous maximum temperatures of up to 47°C on April 24 (Monday) and April 26 (Wednesday), and even an extremely dangerous maximum temperature of 53°C on April 27 (Thursday).
Cabanatuan, Catarman, Catbalogan, Davao, Dipolog, Iloilo, San Jose, Surigao, and Subic could also experience dangerous levels of heat throughout the week of April 23 until April 27, PAGASA added.
Meanwhile, the latest data from PAGASA showed that dams around the country have also dipped slightly below their normal high water level (NHWL):
– Angat Dam reservoir water level (RWL): 196.32 meters (m), NHWL of 212m.
– Ipo Dam RWL: 98.87m, NHWL: 101.10m.
– La Mesa Dam RWL: 77.16m, NHWL: 80.15m.
– Ambuklao Dam RWL: 740.33m, NHWL: 752m.
– Binga Dam RWL: 566.88m, NHWL: 575m.
– San Roque Dam RWL: 235.77m, NHWL: 280m.
– Pantabangan Dam RWL: 180.58m, NHWL: 221m.
– Magat Dam RWL: 178.09m, NHWL: 193m.
