Manila: The southwest monsoon, locally known as ‘habagat’, will continue to bring rains over Luzon on Sunday, as reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

According to Philippines News Agency, the 5 a.m. bulletin from PAGASA indicates that the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the provinces of Zambales and Bataan are expected to experience heavy rains due to the southwest monsoon. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will see cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. PAGASA has issued warnings about possible flash floods or landslides resulting from moderate to heavy rains.

In contrast, the Visayas and Mindanao regions will have partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. The weather forecast also notes that extreme northern Luzon will face moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas, whereas the rest of the country will experience light to moderate winds with slight to moderate seas.

Wi
th the onset of the southwest monsoon, Daniel James Villamil of PAGASA mentions that fewer areas in Luzon will encounter danger-level heat index. The highest heat index, at 43°C, is expected in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU Echague, Isabela; Infanta, Quezon; and Virac, Catanduanes. Additionally, a 42°C heat index is forecast for Aparri, Cagayan; Alabat, Quezon; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Coron, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; and Masbate City, Masbate.

In Mindanao, the highest heat index may peak at 44°C, particularly in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte. A 43°C heat index is also expected in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, such as Roxas City and Mambusao in Capiz province; Iloilo City and Dumangas in Iloilo; the island province of Siquijor; Catbalogan, Western Samar; Guluan, Eastern Samar; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and CMU Agromet, Musuan in Bukidnon province, are foreca
st to have a 42°C heat index.

The heat index measures the temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity is combined with the actual air temperature. Prolonged exposure to ‘danger’ level conditions, ranging from 42°C to 51°C, could lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.