Scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected in several parts of the country on Monday due to the trough of a low pressure area (LPA) and prevailing easterlies, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 5 a.m. forecast, PAGASA said the LPA was located 460 kilometers west of Coron, Palawan and is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone. It may either dissipate or exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the coming hours.
The LPA’s trough is forecast to bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Mimaropa, the Bicol Region, Batangas, and Quezon.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.
Despite the rains, PAGASA also warned of dangerously high heat index levels in at least 15 areas, with Infanta, Quezon forecast to experience the highest at 45°C.
Areas expected to record heat indices ranging from 42°C to 44°C include:
NAIA, Pasay City
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Dagupan City, Pangasinan
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
Bacnotan, La Union
Aparri and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
ISU Echague, Isabela
Iba, Zambales
Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
TAU Camiling, Tarlac
Tayabas City, Quezon
Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite
Masbate City, Masbate
Heat index measures the apparent temperature felt by the human body based on actual air temperature and relative humidity. PAGASA classifies heat index levels from 42°C to 51°C as “danger,” warning that prolonged exposure may lead to heat cramps, exhaustion, or even heat stroke.