Baguio logs 27°C heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City, the country’s summer capital, registered an unusually higher heat index of 27 degrees Celsius during the weekend.

Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed the actual temperature in Benguet’s main area at around 2 p.m. on Saturday was 26 degrees Celsius.

Coupled with a relative humidity of 69 percent, Baguio’ s heat index or the combined effect felt by the human body from the actual temperature and the accompanying humidity was 27 degrees Celsius.

Based on PAGASA’s heat index chart, Baguio remains the coldest place to be in the country, but the 27 degrees Celsius heat index did not border on its lowest risk or danger advisory under the “not hazardous” and “caution” categories.

The highest heat index of 49 degrees Celsius on Saturday was again recorded in Dagupan, Pangasinan followed by Aparri in Cagayan with 46 degrees.

Both areas fell under the “danger” category along with Catbalogan in Western Samar and Iba in Zambales, which both had heat indices of 44 degrees.

The Ninoy Aquino International Aiport in Pasay and Tuguegarao in Cagayan both registered a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius, while Calapan in Oriental Mindoro and Masbate City, Masbate logged 42 degrees Celsius.

The hottest heat index recorded so far this year was 55 degrees in Dagupan, Pangasinan on May 1 followed by Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija with 51 degrees Celsius on May 11.

The public has been advised to take necessary precautions like using umbrellas and drinking plenty of water to prevent themselves from getting dehydrated.

In an extended weather forecast issued yesterday, PAGASA said most parts of the country are expected to have hot and humid weather in the next three days.

Metro Manila’s actual temperature was expected to range from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius, while Baguio was forecast to have temperatures ranging from 17 to 25 degrees.

PAGASA said no low-pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility within this week.

The frontal system is affecting extreme Northern Luzon, while easterlies will bring hot and humid weather with chances of scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over the rest of Luzon and the Visayas.

The intertropical convergence zone, which continues to affect Mindanao, is expected to bring rain in the region.