PAGASA warns: scattered rains, thunderstorms, extreme heat

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued an updated weather advisory for Tuesday, April 8, warning of scattered rains and thunderstorms across parts of the country due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in southern Mindanao and easterlies affecting the rest of the nation.

Due to the ITCZ, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms posing a risk for flash floods or landslides from moderate to heavy rainfall.

Elsewhere in the country, including Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to easterlies, also carrying risks of flash floods or landslides during severe weather conditions.

PAGASA advises residents to remain vigilant as these weather patterns could trigger flash floods or landslides and warns of light to moderate wind speeds moving east to northeast with slight to moderate coastal waters.

Additionally, PAGASA issued a heat index bulletin for April 8, indicating that nine areas in the country may experience temperatures up to 44°C under the 'danger' classification, posing risks such as heat cramps and potential heat stroke.

To protect themselves from heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advises the public to drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and reduce intense outdoor activities during peak daytime hours.