Aparri sizzles at 49°C heat index

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Aparri, Cagayan reached 49 degrees Celsius on Saturday as hot temperatures continue to affect the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said yesterday.

State weather forecasters said the highest heat index in Aparri was recorded at 2 p.m.

“Dangerous levels” of heat indexes were also felt in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Iba, Zambales; Juban, Sorsogon, and Tuguegarao, Cagayan with 43 degrees Celsius as well as in Baler, Aurora and Laoag, Ilocos Norte with 42 degrees Celsius.

The highest heat index from March 1 to May 20 was recorded in Legazpi City, Albay on May 12 with 50 degrees Celsius.

Other areas with highest heat index were Aparri, Cagayan on May 20; Butuan, Agusan del Norte on May 12, and Guiuan, Eastern Samar on April 16 with 49 degrees Celsius.

Heat indexes from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius are classified as “danger” heat index, the weather bureau said.

Among the effects of “danger” heat index on the body are heat cramps and exhaustion and possible heat stroke with continued exposure

Meanwhile, the water level in Angat Dam further dropped to 191.79 meters yesterday morning.

The figure was 0.17 meters lower than the previous day’s elevation of 191.96 meters and 7.29 meters above its rule curve elevation of 184.50 or the required level for the dam to be able to function.

Angat supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and irrigates 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.

PAGASA also reported a slight decrease in the water level in La Mesa Dam in Quezon City from 76.68 to 76.65 meters.