With rainy season, heat index alerts suspended

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June 4, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday announced the suspension of its daily heat index advisories, following the official declaration of the rainy season.

In a Facebook statement, PAGASA said the issuance of daily heat index information has been paused and will resume on March 1, 2026, in time for the hot and dry season in many areas of the country.

“During this period, it is important to focus on providing accurate and timely information related to hazards and potential impacts associated with the rainy season,” the agency said.

Despite the suspension, PAGASA assured the public that heat index data from its automatic weather stations, as well as the iHeatMap, remain accessible through the Department of Science and Technology’s official website.

Authorities also advised residents in regions still experiencing warm weather conditions to stay updated with local government advisories and take appropriate precautions to safeguard health and safety.

The heat index measures the apparent temperature felt by the human body, factoring in both air temperature and humidity. It is commonly used to assess risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, especially during peak summer months.

With the rainy season now underway, PAGASA is shifting focus to monitoring rainfall, potential flooding and other weather hazards that typically accompany the wet months.

Rains in Luzon, Mindanao

The southwest monsoon and the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) are currently influencing weather conditions in the Philippines, bringing rains to parts of Luzon and Mindanao, according to PAGASA.

There are no tropical cyclones or low-pressure areas within or near the Philippine area of responsibility, but these two weather systems are producing significant rainfall across the country.

The monsoon remains dominant over Luzon, bringing scattered to widespread rains to provinces such as Ilocos, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Benguet and Abra.

Metro Manila is also expected to experience isolated showers, with clearer skies in the morning giving way to localized thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

These conditions are typical of the southwest monsoon, which pulls in warm, moisture-laden air from the West Philippine Sea and causes prolonged rainfall, particularly on the western side of Luzon.

In Mindanao, the ITCZ continues to trigger rain over the southern region, particularly in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental. The persistent convergence of winds in this area is causing heavy downpours and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides, especially in mountainous and low-lying communities.

Elsewhere in the country, including Palawan, the Visayas and other parts of Mindanao, fair weather is expected for most of the day. However, localized thunderstorms remain a possibility in the late afternoon and evening, particularly in areas where heat and moisture are high.

Air temperatures across the country remain within seasonal ranges. Metro Manila is experiencing temperatures between 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. In Tuguegarao, temperatures are rising to 35 degrees, while Baguio City remains cool with a low of 16 degrees and a high of 21. Other key cities such as Legazpi, Tagaytay, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga and Davao are reporting highs between 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Communities in flood- and landslide-prone areas are advised to take precautionary measures and remain alert for emergency advisories.

Prepare for monsoon

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government directed local government units (LGUs) to prepare for the impact of the monsoon in their communities.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered LGUs to adopt proactive measures anchored on the Operation Listo protocols for hydrometeorological hazards.

Remulla said local chief executives should ensure their emergency operations centers are functional and with adequate personnel and equipment.

They should also activate their local incident management teams.

Local governments must also identify and prepare evacuation centers with essential facilities such as sanitation, medical aid and designated areas for senior citizens and other vulnerable groups.

Apart from evacuation centers, LGUs must also revise their contingency and action plans based on assessments of areas prone to flooding, storm surges and landslides.

To ensure readiness, Remulla said simulation drills and community exercises should be conducted to test response and evacuation procedures.

The DILG urged local officials to strictly implement no-build zones in high-risk areas, and ensure that emergency services and supply chains remain operational. — Emmanuel Tupas