A heat index of 46°C and 47°C is forecast in Baler, Aurora, and Dagupan City, Pangasinan, this Wednesday, 30 April, as the easterlies continue to be the predominant weather system in the country.

Based on the two-day forecast heat index by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), at least 17 areas — mostly in Luzon — will experience danger-level heat index.

In Metro Manila, a heat index of 42°C is expected on Thursday and Friday.

A heat index of 43°C is also projected in La Union, Cavite, Olongapo City, Cuyo in Palawan, and Camarines Sur.

Based on PAGASA’s weather report, the easterlies continue to bring isolated rains over Luzon and portions of Eastern Visayas, while the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will bring rains over Mindanao and Palawan. It is forecast to move northward and affect Visayas in the coming days.

Aside from the aforementioned weather systems, a low-pressure area remains spotted east of Mindanao and is still embedded within the ITCZ.

PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda said the LPA was last located 765 kilometers east of General Santos City. However, it is forecast to re-enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the next 24 hours.

She also noted that the possibility of the LPA strengthening into a tropical depression in the next 24 hours remains low.

A general flood advisory has also been raised in the rivers and tributaries in Mindanao, as light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected in the next 24 hours.