Pagasa-Iloilo warns of much higher heat index in coming days

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Iloilo station has not ruled out the possibility of more extreme heat to be felt in the next few days in Iloilo and the nearby provinces.

“We cannot discount the possibility that our air temperature and heat index may further spike, as we have just entered the hot, dry season, and the El Niño phenomenon is still ongoing,” said Pagasa weather observer Charlie Depra in an interview with Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo.

Depra also stressed that the possible increase in the heat index will also be triggered by the effects of the easterlies or winds coming from the east passing through the Pacific Ocean that bring warm and humid weather.

From April 1 to 2, Pagasa forecasts a heat index ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius in Western Visayas.

Depra explained that the heat index is used to measure the heat felt by the human body (apparent temperature), which differs from the actual air temperature.  It is computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

“Our air temperature in the past days significantly increased; we even reached 37 degrees Celsius, that’s why our heat index is already reaching 44 degrees Celsius or the ‘danger’ level. There is a direct connection; if our air temperature increases, we will experience a much higher heat index,” he added.

On April 1, Depra said Iloilo City recorded an air temperature of 26 to 32 degrees Celsius and a heat index of 41 degrees Celsius.

Aside from relative humidity, Depra said another factor contributing to the high heat index is the lesser presence of trees that help provide a natural cooling system.

“For instance in Iloilo City, we can expect a higher heat index because of the lesser volume of trees compared to the rural areas,” he said.

On March 27, Roxas City in Capiz logged a computed heat index of 48 degrees Celsius.

The city governments of Iloilo, Roxas, and Bacolod have suspended the conduct of face-to-face classes from kindergarten to senior high school on April 1 due to the “danger” level heat index forecast of Pagasa.

Face-to-face classes will resume once the heat index forecast is lower than 41 degrees Celsius or in “extreme caution” category.