Heat index to remain at ‘extreme caution’ levels on Monday

The heat index of several areas across the country is set to remain in levels where the public needs to take extreme caution on Monday, state weather bureau PAGASA reported over the weekend.

According to the five-day forecast released on Sunday, the heat index is set to range from 23 degrees Celsius (Baguio) to 38 degrees Celsius (Cotabato) on Monday, April 24, 2023.

The heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels in contrast to the actual air temperature. Essentially, it measures "human discomfort" and is the "apparent temperature" felt by the human body. It is computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

Under PAGASA's heat index chart, a heat index from 33°C to 41°C warrants “extreme caution,” indicating that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and that continuing activity could lead to a heat stroke.

This comes even as PAGASA said easterlies or localized thunderstorms are expected in Metro Manila and the rest of the country on Monday, due to partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

The hottest heat index on Sunday, April 23, was reported at 2 p.m. in Legazpi City, Albay at 46°C, while the coldest was in Baguio City at 24°C.

A heat index from 42°C to 51°C is classified as “danger,” with heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely, with heat stroke probable with continued exposure. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News