Manila: The weather bureau forecast warm and humid conditions and isolated rains to prevail over most of the archipelago on election day. “The public is advised to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses such as fatigue, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a Monday weather outlook. People going to polling precincts are advised to bring water to stay hydrated, use an umbrella for shade, take breaks in covered areas, and wear light-colored clothing.
According to Philippines News Agency, the heat index, or the temperature the human body feels when relative humidity is factored in with actual air temperature, could peak at 45°C in Sangley Point, Cavite City, and Catarman, Northern Samar. A 43°C heat index is forecast in several areas including ISU Echague, Isabela; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Tayabas City, Quezon; Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas; Legazpi City, Albay; Juban, Sorsogon; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
PAGASA also forecast a 42°C heat index in areas such as NAIA, Laoag City, Pangasinan, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Bacnotan, La Union, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City, Infanta, Quezon, Coron, Palawan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Cuyo, Palawan, Masbate City, Iloilo City, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Maasin, Southern Leyte. Under “danger” level conditions, ranging from 42°C to 51°C, the public is warned of increased risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke with prolonged exposure.
In its 4 a.m. forecast, PAGASA said Batanes and Cagayan would experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the frontal system. Moderate to at times heavy rains in those areas could result in flash floods or landslides. PAGASA earlier said Ilocos Norte, Isabela, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region “will be partly cloudy in the morning becoming cloudy with scattered rains and thunderstorms for the rest of the day.”
Meanwhile, PAGASA forecast the easterlies to cause isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country. This could result in brief and sudden heavy downpours, mostly in the afternoon or evening, the weather bureau added. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail over extreme Northern Luzon. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate seas. As of 2 a.m., no low pressure area was monitored for possible tropical cyclone formation, PAGASA said.
