Philippines, – Record-high Temps Recorded as Summer Starts
A scorching 52 degrees Celsius was recorded on the Heat Index in Northern Luzon last 09-April,2019, while Pasay City,Metro Manila recorded 42 degrees on the same day. Heat index is the actual temperature felt by the body based on air temperature and humidity.It is also called the Human Discomfort Index The current record surpassed the previous 49.2 degrees on April 2.
It’s the second time in less than two week when record temperatures soared amid the el niño phenomenon at the onset of the summer season. According to the weather bureau, this kind of temperature is considered ‘extreme danger’ level when heat stroke is imminent. Everyone is advised to take proper precaution especially to those with longer exposure to the blazing sunlight.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country will continue to suffer from generally warmer temperature in April.
They warned that higher temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat syncope, heat rash and stroke. Extreme hotness can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion so it is important to stay hydrated,wear proper clothing and keep a good ventilation.
The bureau indicated the index to warn the people on the various harms different levels of temperatures can cause.
A 41 degrees Celsius on the Heat Index is labeled as “danger level” and calls for ‘extreme caution’ from heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke with continued activity under the sun.
Summer temperatures usually ranges from 34 to 37 degrees but the heat index is much higher due to humidity and air temperature. In Metro Manila, a record 38.5 degrees in May 1987 and 42.2 degrees in the Tuguegarao city in Northern Luzon in May 1969 were recorded.
Let’s talk with aimtalk teachers
- What is your ideal temperature? Which do you prefer, extremely hot or extremely cold temperature?
- How do you keep yourself cool when the weather is too hot?
- Where is your favorite place to visit during summer? Would you rather go there with your family or with friends? Why?
- Which season do you look forward to the most? Why
Vocabulary
scorching(adj): extremely hot
surpass(v): be even greater than something else
imminent(adj):an even that is imminent will happen very soon, especially an unpleasant one.
precaution(n): something you do in order to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening
