Some parts in Northern Luzon, including Dagupan City, Tuguegarao City, and Aparri, will experience scorching temperatures as the heat index is expected to soar up to 42°C today (April 4, 2024), according to the latest forecast released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) on April 2, 2024.
The heat index in most parts of Northern Luzon is at an ‘Extreme Caution’ level, expected to range from 35°C to 41°C in temperature, while Baguio City and La Trinidad are anticipated to experience the lowest temperature at 28°C, falling at a ‘Caution’ level.
With the onset of the dry season intensifying the heat, the Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against heat-related illnesses and advised everyone to drink lots of water, stay indoors, avoid long direct exposure to sunlight, and wear thin loose and light-colored clothes to prevent heatstroke.
Although 118 cases of heat exhaustion were recorded – all of whom are students – due to the summer heat of March 2023 last year, there are no reported cases of similar illness in the Philippines as of the current date according to the DOH.
Furthermore, the Department of Education reiterated its directive for extreme weather conditions, wherein school heads have the authority to suspend in-person classes and implement modular distance learning to ensure continuous learning and achievement of learning goals.
~Bonomar Apuyod Jr.~
