SO you think the record-breaking 38.8 degrees celsius in Metro Manila, or the 53 degrees heat index in Zambales which made it under an ‘extreme danger’ category as the peak of the El Nino crazy temperature, you are most definitely wrong as state weather forecasters said, we ain’t even peaked yet.
According to state weather forecaster PAGASA, the next two weeks during the month of May may possibly break all existing Philippine heat records as the temperature goes higher.
Day and night, night and day
According to PAGASA, the temperatures will not only be felt during the day, but at night as well.
With temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, the forecast maximum temperature for May had breached the said forecasts.
Courtesy: AFP
On Saturday afternoon, April 27, the temperature soared to a blistering 38.8 degrees Celsius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Station in Pasay City. This surpasses the previous record of 38.6 degrees Celsius set on May 17, 1915, in Port Area, Manila.2 d
“We expect other areas could experience hotter temperatures,” Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief Ana Solis said.
Forecasters said that the temperature in the Philippines is being affected by a ridge of a high-pressure area.
Courtesy: AFP
Solis also said that the warm and dry season as well as the El Niño are combining to create the scorching temperatures.
So even as the El Niño is already weakening, the effects may be felt until June.
Late wet season?
But the onset of the wet season can be declared later than usual, or in the first or second week of June or later.
Courtesy: AFP
This is due to the possibility of the development of La Niña.
Still hot
While we are still awaiting for that drop of rain, PAGASA is continuously reminding the public against heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke probable with continued exposure.
Millions and millions affected
The Department of Social Welfare and Development said that more than 1.14 million Filipinos scattered across nine regions in the country are affected by the El Niño.
Records showed that some 244,712 families comprising 1,257 barangays are greatly affected.
Courtesy: AFP
The DSWD’s Disaster Response Operations Monitor Center noted that P37.8 million worth of assistance including family food packs and other relief items were provided.
The DSWD provided P32.8 million and other partners gave around P5 million.
Courtesy: AFP
Meanwhile, a standby fund has P164.5 million in Quick Response Fund.
The DSWD central office said another P78.49 million is available in field offices.
Among the areas include Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Soccsksargen, Cordillera Administrative Region and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
