Southwest Monsoon to bring clouds, rain showers

The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) is affecting the western section of Luzon on Sunday and will bring clouds and rain showers over several areas, PAGASA said in its weather forecast.

Palawan will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Moderate to at times heavy rains may possibly result in flash floods or landslides.

Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, and the rest of Mimaropa may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. During severe thunderstorms, flash floods or landslides may possibly occur.

The rest of the country on the other hand will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may possibly result in flash floods or landslides.

Coastal waters will be slight to moderate throughout the country.

Sunrise was at 5:26 a.m. Sunset will be at 6:25 p.m.

Heat index

PAGASA also said 17 areas of the country will experience a heat index in the danger level on Sunday.

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes may have heat index reaching up to 46°C while Maasin, Southern Leyte's heat index will be 45°C.

Meanwhile, the lowest heat index is expected in Baguio City at 26°C.

PAGASA defines heat index as the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

The state weather bureau categorizes areas with a heat index of 42°C to 51°C under the danger category, while those that hit 52°C and above fall under extreme danger.

In areas with a dangerous heat index, people may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

PAGASA advised the public to:

• Limit the time spent outdoors;
• Drink plenty of water;
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda and liquor;
• Wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and
• Schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it's cooler.

—KG, GMA Integrated News