MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning that heat indices in Metro Manila, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, and parts of Visayas may hit 40°C on Wednesday. 

The highest temperatures are expected at midday, with Metro Manila reaching up to 33°C, but the heat index may go up to 40°C, said Estareja. The heat index, or the heat felt by our bodies, may also reach 40°C in San Jose in Occidental Mindoro and other hot spots in Luzon.

“Pagsapit po ng tanghali, asahan ‘yung pinakamatataas na temperatura. Mainit po dito sa may parte ng Metro Manila— hanggang 33°C. Pero yung heat index na tinatawag— o yung mararamdamang init ng ating katawan— ay maglalaro mula 37-40°C,” reported PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja in a Wednesday morning weather forecast.

Estareja also warned that Legazpi could expect a high heat index with air temperature in the area reaching 33°C, identical to Metro Manila. Meanwhile, Dagupan City, Tuguegarao City, and Laoag City in Northern Luzon can anticipate similar weather.

In Visayas, Roxas City, Dumaguete, and Metro Cebu are predicted to be the hottest areas, with a possible heat index of 38°C. Although air temperatures will peak at 32°C, it is possible that the heat index may still reach 38°C, warned Estareja.

The forecast temperature range in key cities/areas on Wednesday:

Luzon

• Metro Manila: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius
• Baguio City: 17 to 25 degrees Celsius
• Laoag City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius
• Tuguegarao: 24 to 33 degrees Celsius
• Legazpi City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius
• Puerto Princesa City: 26 to 34 degrees Celsius
• Tagaytay: 22 to 31 degrees Celsius
• Kalayaan Islands: 27 to 33 degrees Celsius

Visayas

• Iloilo City: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius
• Cebu: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius
• Tacloban City: 26 to 31 degrees Celsius

Mindanao

• Cagayan De Oro City: 26 to 32 degrees Celsius
• Zamboanga City: 25 to 34 degrees Celsius
• Davao City: 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

PAGASA advises the public to take necessary precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun.  – WhatALife!/Jayve

Sources: (1)

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