STATE weather forecasters said that they can say that the worst is over, as far as the record-high temperatures and searing heat is concerned.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Metro Manila and many areas in the country is still experiencing dangerous levels of heat index, but there will be areas that will experience thunderstorms in the second half of May.

‘Hot’ Metro Manila

PAGASA said though that for today, the Metro Manila heat index is still under the ‘danger’ level, with easterlies expected to bring isolated rains over the country.

They also said that NCR and the rest of the country will be experiencing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Metro Manila will be at a danger level at 43 degrees Celsius at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Pasay City station and 42 degrees Celsius at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

Courtesy: AFP

This is why the public is being advised to take steps against heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The hottest temperature recorded in Metro Manila has been recorded at 38.8 degrees last month. 

According to PAGASA, the hottest temperature for this year has been recorded after an actual temperature of 40.3 degrees Celsius in Tarlac on April 27.

“Hopefully, this is the hottest daytime temperature for this year,” PAGASA climate monitoring and prediction section chief Ana Liza Solis.

Courtesy: AFP

However, she said that many areas can experience a high heat index between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius.

There is a 60 percent possibility that La Niña will prevail in June, July and August, she added.

“This will lessen the high heat index that we are experiencing. If the localized thunderstorms will persist and there will be big weather systems like low-pressure areas, intertropical convergence zones or typhoons, this can trigger the declaration of the onset of the rainy season,” she said.