Expect temperatures to rise higher that could reach the danger level in the coming days amid generally fair weather in the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday.
According to state weather forecaster Lorie dela Cruz, “there will be no widespread scattered rains, no low pressure area and no typhoon in the next two to three days.”
“What we are closely monitoring is the heat index,” she added.
Heat index in Metro Manila could reach 40 degrees Celsius (°C) or the extreme caution level.
“Prolonged exposure to this could possibly cause heat exhaustion and heat stress,” Dela Cruz said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
PAGASA said the heat index could reach the danger level of between 42°C to 51°C across the following areas: Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Echague, Isabela; Iba, Zambales; Olongapo City, Pampanga; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Camiling, Tarlac; Cavite City; Cuyo, Palawan; Virac, Catanduanes; Roxas City, Capiz; Iloilo City; Panglao, Bohol; Catarman, Northern Samar; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Musuan, Bukidnon; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Dela Cruz warned that prolonged exposure under the danger level could trigger heat stroke.
The dry season is forecast to peak in the first or second week of May.
“The termination of the La Niña does not necessarily mean that there will be an El Niño. We are in a neutral condition now,” according to the state weather forecaster.