Pagasa warns of scorching heat in May

Temperatures could soar to 39.8 degrees Celsius in May, weather forecasters warned, with the heat index - the apparent temperature felt by the human body possibly hitting 48 to 50 degrees in the latter part of April to the first week of May, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned yesterday, and may cause afflictions such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

- With Bella Cariaso

While this year’s dry season is not expected to reach record-breaking temperatures like last year, the heat index may still hit 48 to 50 degrees Celsius between late April and the first week of May, according to PAGASA assistant weather services chief Ana Liza Solis.

The hottest temperature is normally recorded in the Northern Luzon area, particularly in Cagayan Valley, the weather official said.

“That’s (late April to early May) when we experience a slightly warmer temperature, around 39.6 or 39.8 degrees Celsius,” Solis said at a Palace press briefing.

While warm temperatures have already been experienced in some parts of the country in the past weeks, PAGASA has not officially declared the onset of the dry season.

Solis explained the northeast monsoon – a weather system associated with cool and dry air – is still prevailing in the country.