SAN ANTONIO, Zambales: The heat index in parts of Olongapo City reached as high as 43°C on Wednesday (Oct 7) morning, prompting warnings of possible heat-related illnesses with continued exposure to the heat.
According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the heat index at the Barretto automatic weather station (AWS) reached 43°C as of 10.15am, placing the area under the “danger” category.
At the Old Cabalan AWS, the heat index was recorded at 40°C, which meant “extreme caution.”
At 43°C, people may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while prolonged exposure may lead to heat stroke, according to the warning accompanying the heat index readings.
The 40°C reading at Old Cabalan carries the same health warning, with residents advised to limit prolonged exposure to the heat.
The heat index refers to the apparent temperature, or how hot it feels to the human body, based on air temperature and humidity.
In its Sept 23 climate advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a strong El Nino was active in the tropical Pacific and was expected to intensify into a very strong event between September and December and persist through the first half of next year.
Pagasa said El Nino increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall, dry spells and drought in parts of the country, as its latest climate outlook also points to warmer-than-usual temperatures. - Philippines Daily Inquirer/ANN
