Roxas, Cotabato sizzle with 42º Celsius heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Roxas City in Capiz and Cotabato sizzled on Tuesday as the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius was forecast to persist in Roxas until yesterday.

In Virac, Catanduanes and Camarines Sur, a heat index of 41 degrees Celsius was recorded.

The highest heat index recorded so far this year was in Cotabato City at 43 degrees Celsius on Feb. 8.

PAGASA climatology and agrometeorology division officer-in-charge Anna Lisa Solis said the heat index is expected to intensify next month with the end of the southeast monsoon or amihan and the peak of El Niño.

PAGASA said a heat index of between 42 to 51 degrees Celsius belongs to the  “danger” category.

The agency warned the public of possible heat cramps and exhaustion, adding that heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.

As a strong El Niño continues, Solis said the provinces to be affected by drought would increase to 40 in April compared to 24 this month.

She said 25 other areas would experience dry spell.

Cloud seeding vs Benguet forest fires

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) continued its cloud seeding operations in Benguet to contain forest fires and mitigate the effects of El Niño.

An LC-210 aircraft of the 900th Air Force Weather Group dispensed 1,200 kilos of salt over the province.

PAF public affairs office chief Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said cloud seeding operations, which started early this month, complement helicopter-bucket operations being carried out by the 505th Search and Rescue Group.

“The Philippine Air Force remains committed to supporting firefighting efforts in Benguet,” Castillo said.

She said cloud seeding operations would continue along with the 505th Search and Rescue Group’s efforts to extinguish forest fires and protect the region’s natural resources.