This year is likely to be the warmest year ever recorded, and 2024 might even be hotter, climate experts from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said.
This developed as Metro Manila, Northern Luzon, and Central Luzon will continue to experience a heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, which is under the ‘danger’ level, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Tuesday.
The American weather agency said 2023 is already “the third hottest year” on record.”
NOAA chief scientist Sarah Kapnick, quoted by reports, said: “It is virtually certain — over 99 percent chance — that 2023 will rank among the five warmest years on record with a nearly 50 percent probability that 2023 will rank warmest on record.”
Meanwhile, at a public briefing, Dr. Marcelino Villafuerte II, PAGASA’s Chief of the Climate Impact Assessment and Application, Climatology and Agrometeorology Division warned that heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke were among the effects of the ‘danger’ level heat index.
The heat index in Casiguran, Aurora reached 60 degrees on Monday, but dropped to 45 degrees yesterday. It was 43 degrees in Tuguegarao City, Infanta in Quezon, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, and Catbalogan in Samar, he added.
In Metro Manila, PAGASA recorded 40 degrees Celsius in Science Garden in Quezon City while Ninoy Aquino International Airport reached a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius.
“There were high temperatures that were observed the past few days, this started last week. The temperature reached a danger level, particularly in Luzon. The possible effects of the danger level heat index are heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke,” the official said.
Villafuerte noted that the reason for having high heat index is due to the coastal areas with low elevation and is estimated by the air temperature and humidity.
He said it is “partially” an effect of El Niño, since it frequently rained in mornings but was dry by midday.
“Let’s not interpret it based on the magnitude but on its possible impact on our health instead. ‘When it is under the extreme level and rises to 52 degrees Celsius, heat stroke is imminent, so we are telling our fellow citizens to take care,” Villafuerte said.
He advised the public to avoid spending a long time outdoors or better schedule outdoor activities early in the morning.
“Let’s continue to drink plenty of water so that we can lessen the adverse effects of the high heat index, and continue to follow PAGASA updates,” he added.
The US agency also reported that global ocean surface temperatures reached a record high in July for a fourth consecutive month due to El Niño.
Experts also said next year could be even hotter than this year because of the warming phenomenon.
Bill Nelson, NASA administrator, added it is “self-evident that the Earth is heating up.”
In the Philippines, El Niño phenomenon might persist until the first quarter of 2024, PAGASA earlier said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned crop production will bear the brunt of the El Niño phenomenon.
The National Water Resources Board said water and power supply could also be affected, especially in Luzon where the Angat Dam water reserve is nearing critical level. Joel Pinaroc with AFP
