Manila: The weather bureau announced that a significant portion of the Philippines is expected to experience rains on Thursday. Scattered rains and thunderstorms are anticipated in Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, BARMM, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Palawan due to the southwesterly windflow. Additionally, the rest of Mindanao will face similar weather conditions due to the trough of Tropical Storm Jangmi, which is currently outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Moderate to heavy rains in these regions could lead to flash floods or landslides.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jangmi was located 1,195 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m., moving northwest at 20 kilometers per hour. The storm is predicted to enter PAR between Thursday night and Friday, potentially escalating to a tropical storm or severe tropical storm category, at which point it will be named Domeng. However, PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin Galicia noted that Domeng is unlikely to make landfall in the Philippines. Despite this, Domeng is expected to enhance the southwesterly windflow, bringing rains to most parts of the Visayas, Mindanao, and Southern Luzon. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas are forecast across the archipelago.
In another development, PAGASA warned of sweltering temperatures in 53 areas across the country due to a danger-level heat index. The heat index represents what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with air temperature. A peak heat index of 47°C is predicted in Sangley Point, Cavite. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and San Ildefonso, Bulacan are expected to experience heat indices of 46°C. Other areas, including NAIA in Pasay City, Science Garden in Quezon City, and Sinait in Ilocos Sur, will see heat indices ranging from 42°C to 45°C.
PAGASA cautioned that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely when the heat index reaches between 42°C and 51°C. Temperatures are expected to reach a heat index of 41°C in areas such as Basco, Batanes, and Nueva Vizcaya. Meanwhile, a heat index of 40°C is forecast for locations including CvSU-Indang in Cavite, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, and Davao City in Davao del Sur.
