Many Philippine schools suspend classes due to extreme heat – News

The heat index in Manila is expected to reach the danger level of 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Read more…

Dozens of schools in the Philippine capital Manila suspended in-person classes on Tuesday due to dangerous heat, education officials said.

The country’s heat index measures how a temperature feels, taking humidity into account.

The heat index in the metropolis is expected to reach the danger level of 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday and 43 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, the state weather forecaster said.

The actual highest temperature forecast for Manila on Tuesday was 34 °C.

In Quezon, the most populous part of the city, elementary and secondary schools were ordered to close, while local authorities gave schools in other areas the option to switch to distance learning.

Some schools shortened class hours to avoid the hottest time of the day.

A heat index of 42-51 °C could cause “heat cramps and heat exhaustion”, and with prolonged exposure, heat stroke is likely, said a meteorologist in a warning.

According to the weather forecast, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are also possible at 33–41 °C.