Quezon City’s heat index hits 36°C on Sunday

MANILA — Quezon City’s highest heat index reached 36 degrees Celsius this Sunday, November 8, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). 

But amid the hot and humid weather, visitors at the Quezon Memorial Circle found different ways to stay cool.

Despite the scorching sun, several groups set up mats and tents under the shade of trees at the park. 

For the Alvarez family, visiting the park every Sunday has become a tradition.

“Mainit talaga pero kapag nandito ka may hangin naman. Number one lagi ko inaano ang mga anak ko, mahihina sila sa ganitong panahon. Tubig lang tapos maaga naliligo talaga para maiwasan yung ma-heat stroke,” said Ricky Alvarez, a park visitor. 

Babes Blanco, meanwhile, visited the Quezon Memorial Circle for the first time with her daughter and grandchild.

She chose to spend some time under one of the park’s misting stations.

“Kasama ang anak ko at apo ko, ngayon lang ako nakapunta dito at nakapasok. Refreshing dito, maski mist lang siya. Para medyo relaxed ka at refresh,” Blanco said. 

Carlota Giray’s two-year-old child even managed to fall asleep under one of the misting stations, which spray water to help visitors cool down.

“Kasama ko family ko, kaya nandito kami para mapreskuhan. May bimpo, may pamaypay at pumupunta sa mga mapuno,” Giray said.

The heat index refers to the temperature felt by the human body based on the combined effects of air temperature and humidity. 

PAGASA also warned of hotter conditions during the northeast monsoon or Amihan season due to the prevailing Super El Niño in the Pacific Ocean.

To help visitors cope with the heat, the Quezon Memorial Circle management installed several cooling facilities around the park.

“We have eight misting stations na nakatalaga sa QMC, strategically placed yung walo. Ito ay activated by sensor, kapag lumapit po yan magbubukas po siya and yung mist po, potable water and filtered para kahit mainom o makalasa ka ng konti ay safe po siya,” said Windsor Bueno, Quezon Memorial Circle administrator.

The park also has refrigerated drinking water stations that visitors can use for free. 

The Department of Health (DOH), meanwhile, reminded the public to drink water regularly to prevent dehydration.

Experts also advised people to wear lightweight cotton clothing, bring fans and towels to wipe away sweat, and avoid going outdoors during the hottest hours of the day to prevent heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke.