On April 29, in Iba, Zambales Philippines, the temperature reached 53 degrees Celsius and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that it could reach "extremely dangerous" levels of up to 57 degrees Celsius.
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| Unprecedented heat: Philippines braces for 57 degrees Celsius. (Source: Philippines Star) |
In a recent warning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) stated that the heat index in the Philippines could reach “extremely dangerous” levels of up to 57 degrees Celsius. This puts the country in a critical condition as temperatures in Iba, Zambales reached 53 degrees Celsius on April 29.
PAGASA Impact Assessment Division Chief Meliton Guzman recalled the historic event on April 20, 2020, when a record temperature of 57 degrees Celsius was recorded in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Based on data from 2010 to 2023, the next dangerously high heat index recorded was 55 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on May 9, 2016 and 54 degrees Celsius in Aparri, Cagayan on May 18, 2021, respectively.
Mr. Guzman warned that in Metro Manila, the heat index could reach 48 degrees Celsius after reaching 45 degrees Celsius on April 27. This situation is particularly worrying and requires timely preparation and response from local authorities.
According to the Philippine National Weather Service, more than 40 areas nationwide will face "dangerous" temperatures on April 30 due to the impact of the El Nino phenomenon and the prolonged dry season in the Philippines.
According to PAGASA, many cities in the Philippines will endure hot weather ranging from 40-45 degrees Celsius and this trend is expected to last throughout the second week of May. This poses a great challenge to residents and authorities in protecting the health and safety of the people.
The Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) announced on April 29 that South Cotabato province is the seventh province to be declared a state of calamity due to the El Nino phenomenon. This indicates the severity of the situation, which requires attention and support from the international community.
High temperatures are posing many challenges and risks to the people of the Philippines. Enhanced warning, response and support from the government and the community are needed to mitigate the impact of hot weather on people’s health and daily lives.
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