PAGASA to release heat index forecast on iHeatMap in next three days

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will release a heat index forecast on the Interactive Heat Index Mapping and Prediction (iHeatMap) platform within the next three days, as the country experiences a strong El Niño phenomenon.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Liza Solis said a technical working group is preparing the release of a regular heat index forecast.

"'Yung iHeatMap natin, magbibigay na po tayo ng forecast ng heat index in the next three days po (the iHeatMap will provide a heat index forecast in the next three days)," Solis said.

The iHeatMap is a user-friendly platform for mapping and predicting heat indices across the country, which can be accessed through this link.

It provides hourly forecasts, real-time monitoring, and comes with an app version. Its alerts are color-coded to help users easily identify dangerous heat conditions in specific areas.

Users can also search for a location to check its heat index and hourly forecast, as well as identify peak dates and times of extreme heat.

Solis said several PAGASA regional services divisions (RSDs) already publish the heat index. The public may also also check heat indices at panahon.gov.ph

"Mayroon po tayong at least hourly or three-hourly na heat index forecast [sa Panahon website]. And kasama din po n'un 'yung sa heat index po natin," Solis said.

(We have at least an hourly or three-hourly heat index forecast [on the Panahon website]. And that's also included in our heat index.)

She added that PAGASA will also resume issuing heat index forecast in its website.

"Ongoing pa din po 'yung sa technical working group kasi meron po tayong mga chine-check pa rin 'yung sa monitoring and also 'yung sa mga different RSDs po. So kailangan po agree or consensus po lahat," Solis said.

(The technical working groups is currently checking our monitoring mechanisms and different regional services divisions. So everyone needs to have their consensus.)

PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Marcelino Villafuerte earlier said the Philippines is already experiencing a strong El Niño, with the phenomenon likely intensifying even further before the year ends.

PAGASA said the average temperature across the Philippines is set to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius during the El Niño phenomenon.

Several government agencies have also launched their initiatives, plans, and technology that they plan to use to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat and dry conditions.

The public has also been advised to start storing and conserving water due to possible supply shortages once the phenomenon worsens. — VDV, GMA News