Easterlies to bring danger level heat index, scattered rains on Friday
Pedestrians cross Araneta Avenue in Quezon City on March 23, 2022. State weather bureau PAGASA placed several areas under the “danger” classification of its heat index, with temperatures rising up to as much as 46 degrees Celsius in Virac, Catanduanes. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — The warm and humid Easterlies blowing from the Pacific Ocean will bring both humid conditions and rainy weather over many parts of the country on Friday, according to PAGASA.
Seven areas may reach heat index of 42 degrees Celsius:
• Borongan City, Eastern Samar
• Coron, Palawan
• Cuyo, Palawan
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Zamboanga City
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible in such conditions, with prolonged exposure likely to result in heat stroke.
Heat index is the estimated temperature the body feels when humidity is considered.
Meanwhile, cloudy skies and scattered rains are expected in Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be mostly warm and humid, with possible isolated rain showers or localized thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.
PAGASA warned of possible flash floods and landslides during periods of moderate to heavy rains.
The weakening Northeast Monsoon or Amihan also continues to affect Northern Luzon.
Along with cool weather, light rains will be experienced in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, and Kalinga. Generally good weather with possible isolated or passing light rains may be expected in Ilocos Region and the rest of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley.
Easterlies will be the dominant weather system by the weekend.
No weather disturbances – low pressure area or tropical cyclone – are expected inside the Philippine area of responsibility through next weekend.
A very strong or Super El Niño is currently prevailing over the tropical Pacific Ocean.
The weather bureau said it will cause the current Amihan season to be drier and warmer than in the previous years.