Zamboanga City:The city government has suspended classes in both public and private schools on Thursday due to an extreme heat index reaching dangerous levels.
According to Philippines News agency, City Administrator Percival Ramos issued the suspension order following instructions from Mayor Khymer Olaso. This decision came as the heat index soared to a perilous 43 degrees Celsius, as forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The suspension affects all classes from pre-school through Grade 12. Ramos advised school authorities to implement alternative learning methods to ensure the continuity of education. He also urged the public to adhere to safety measures during this period of extreme heat and emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, especially for vulnerable groups.
The heat index, which combines actual air temperature and relative humidity, offers a measure of how hot it feels to humans, particularly in shaded areas. PAGASA notes that high humidity can make temperatures feel hotter than the same temperatures in drier conditions due to reduced effectiveness of sweat evaporation, which diminishes cooling.
In response to the ongoing heat conditions, the city's Task Force El Niño is examining current preparedness strategies and assessing the potential impacts of prolonged dry conditions. PAGASA has projected a very strong El Niño to persist until December, with conditions likely continuing until February 2027.
