Expect higher temperatures this May, says PAGASA
IF you thought you’ve already endured the worst this dry season could offer, then think again.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of higher temperature, worse humidity, and peaking heat indices this May.
Gener Quitlong of the PAGASA Agno River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center said this year could very well replicate last year’s harsh weather conditions, especially since the country is now leaning towards El Niño come third quarter of 2023.
Last May 01, 2022, Dagupan City broke records as PAGASA recorded 55 degrees Celsius heat index. Quitlong said this could happen again, as the temperature usually peaks during May.
“Kadalasan itong buwan ng Mayo ang peak o sukdulan ng mataas na temperature, matapos nito, unti-unti nang bababa ulit yung temperature pabalik sa normal,” he said.
He warned that as the temperature goes higher, it is also possible that humidity, or the amount of water in the air, also goes up.
When high temperature meets high humidity, this results in high heat index – the human-perceived equivalent temperature, meaning an area, despite only having 37 degrees temperature, could experience 40 degrees or above heat index.
With higher temperatures expected, Quitlong urged the public to stay hydrated and wear light clothing to reduce chances of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke.
Despite the heat experienced during the day, Quitlong warned of localized thunderstorms during the afternoon or evening.
Worse, the high heat also results in frequent thunderstorms and warned the public to immediately take shelter once thunderstorms occur but not to take shelter under tall trees, as this may attract lightning.
He also warned against the use of electronic devices plugged in the building’s electric wiring during thunderstorms. (Ahikam Pasion)
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