MANILA: The weather bureau on Tuesday said it has observed a continuous decline in the number of areas under a danger level heat index, prompting it to suspend the issuance of daily heat index information.
In an advisory issued Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the end of El Niño and the frequent rainshowers and thunderstorms across many parts of the country resulted in the decline of areas under the danger level heat index category.
Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air.
PAGASA considers 41 to 51 degrees Celsius as danger level heat index that could cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
In PAGASA’s forecast in May, it expected over 40 to at least 18 areas under danger level heat index per day.
PAGASA has listed over 20 areas expected to experience danger level heat index for the past two days.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said it will focus on providin
g accurate and timely information on hazards and potential impacts of the rainy season.
Heat indices derived from automated weather stations can still be accessed on PAGASA’s website to help assess areas that may still experience hot temperatures.
The daily monitoring and forecasts of heat index will resume on March 1, 2025, coinciding with the hot and dry season, the bureau said.
Source: Philippines News Agency