HOT IN THE CITY: Heat index in Iloilo City could rise to 40 degrees – PAGASA

The scorching weather felt in Iloilo City will most likely continue as weather bureau PAGASA warned that the heat index could reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days and weeks.

On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, heat index in Iloilo City reached 38 degrees at around 11:30 a.m. with a humidity of 57%, based on the Accuweather.

Rolly Cuenca of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Iloilo Station said that they have monitored heat index ranging from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius last week.

“Subong yara kita sa 38 degrees Celsius. So far this year, pinakamataas nga narekord naton nga heat index was last week nga nakarekord kita 38 to 39 degrees Celsius,” Cuenca said in an interview.

But PAGASA Iloilo warned that the heat index can hit 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days and weeks due to the prevalence of the warm easterlies originating from the Pacific Ocean.

“Posible pa ini nga magtaas sa masunod nga semana, binulan since nga aton prevalent weather system is easterlies ukon mapaang nga init nga halin sa dagat Pacifico,” Cuenca added.

Based on the forecast of PAGASA, the maximum heat index in Iloilo could reach 46 degrees Celsius on April 3 and 47 degrees Celsius on April 4.

PAGASA warned that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and continuing activity could lead to heat stroke in areas with heat index ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, heat stroke is probable with continued exposure in areas with heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius.

As a way of prevention against heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to limit the time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid coffee, soda, and liquor; wear umbrellas, hot, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities at the beginning or end of the day. (DG)