High daytime heat index, chilly nights logged in Pangasinan

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — The clash between the Super El Niño and the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” is bringing cooler nights and scorching daytime temperatures to Pangasinan, where the heat index has reached 40°C and above.

The unusual weather pattern is associated with the shear line, a meteorological boundary where contrasting air masses meet.

The interaction can cause changes in wind direction and bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

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According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), shear lines commonly form when the northeast monsoon interacts with warmer air from the Pacific.

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Records from the Pagasa-Dagupan station showed that the province’s highest heat index readings in November were 44 °C at 3 p.m. on Nov. 3, 43 °C on Nov. 2 and 42 °C on Nov. 7.

Pagasa also forecast a heat index of 43 °C on Monday, Nov. 9.

During the first week of November, heat index readings consistently reached at least 37 °C, placing the province under the agency’s “extreme caution” category.

Pagasa classifies the heat index, or apparent temperature, into five categories based on the combined effects of air temperature and relative humidity.

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A heat index below 27 °C is classified as not hazardous, indicating minimal risk under normal conditions.

Readings of 27 to 32 °C fall under “caution”, when prolonged exposure and physical activity may cause fatigue and potentially lead to heat cramps.

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The “extreme caution” category covers readings of 33 to 41°C, when heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible. Continued physical activity under these conditions may lead to heat stroke.

A heat index of 42 to 51 °C is under the “danger” classification, when heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke becomes probable with continued exposure.

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Readings of 52 degrees and above fall under “extreme danger”, when heat stroke is considered imminent./gsg