Metro Manila folk face another scorching week

ANOTHER scorching week is forecast for Metro Manila.

The heat index, which measures human discomfort based on the actual temperature felt by the body, is expected to go up to around 40 degrees Celsius during the entire week, the weather bureau said

The hottest day of the week forecast is Thursday, May 21, when the heat index rises nearly 41 degrees.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical

Services Administration (Pagasa) warns of “danger” once the heat index breaches 41 degrees, saying continued activity under the sun may trigger heat-related ailments such as fatigue, cramps and heat stroke.

According to the Pagasa forecast, the heat index yesterday was expected to reach a maximum 40.1 degrees.

Today and tomorrow, the forecast maximum heat index is 39.9 degrees.

Peak heat

Then on Thursday, the heat index is expected to peak to 40.7 degrees.

The maximum heat index is expected to slightly dip to 40.2 degrees on Friday.

The Cagayan Valley region is forecast to experience scorching heat during the week.

According to Pagasa, the maximum heat index in the region was forecast to range from 40 degrees yesterday to as high as 41 degrees on Thursday.

In the Ilocos region, the maximum heat index during the week is expected to range from 38 degrees tomorrow to 40.1 degrees on Thursday.

The hot weather is caused by a ridge of high pressure area affecting Luzon, Pagasa said.

Coping tips

The weather bureau advised people to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

To cope with extremely hot weather, people should wear lightweight and light-colored clothes, drink lots of water, avoid drinking liquor which dehydrates the body, eat small meals but at more frequent intervals and avoid food high in protein, as these increase metabolic heat, Pagasa said.