Weather Today – May 18, 2015 | Scorching Monday

Generally fair weather welcomes another week as the ridge of the high pressure area (HPA) continues to extend over Luzon. Still, the whole country can also expect isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. Sea travellers can enjoy their travel due to the light to moderate winds and slight to moderate sea conditions.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier said no weather disturbance is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within the next 3 days. Dolphin no longer poses threat to the country as it continues to move farther away from the boundary.

Meanwhile, during the 2nd half of the month, Javier added that warm weather is more likely to continue. Temperatures will remain high as we are still in the peak of “tag-init”. Yesterday, the highest temperature crawled up to 36.7 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City.

Associated with the high temperature is the heat index which indicates how warm a human body feels when the air temperature is combined with the relative humidity. Because a high heat index can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, PAGASA regularly provides a heat index forecast in the key cities of the country.

Metro Manila should prepare for very warm weather this Monday as the highest temperature could reach 36 degrees Celsius, with heat index escalating to 40.1 degrees Celsius. Metro Cebu’s expected highest temperature is 32 degrees Celsius which could result to a heat index of 39.2 degrees Celsius. For Metro Davao, temperature could be as high as 33 degrees Celsius so the heat index might reach 37.9 degrees Celsius.

To avoid human discomfort brought by the heat index, PAGASA recommends the following tips:

1) Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor of the house, away from the sunshine.

2) Wear lightweight and light colored clothing as light colors will reflect the sun’s energy.

3) The body needs water to keep cool so drink plenty of water regularly.

4) Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.

5) Eat small frequent meals but avoid food with high protein content which can increase the metabolic heat.