Heat index soars to 44°C in six areas in Luzon, Visayas
MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in six areas in Luzon and the Visayas areas soared to a dangerous 44°C on Thursday afternoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In its 5 p.m. report, the state weather bureau said that the heat index in Daet, Camarines Norte; Ambulong, Tanuan Batangas; Sangley Point, Cavite; Masbate City, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz and Iloilo City was measured at 44°C.
Pagasa said a heat index of 42 to 51°C falls under the “danger” category and would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued heat or sun exposure.
A heat index of 43°C was measured in six other locations – Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tayabas, Quezon; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Dumangas, Iloilo.
Below are other cities that also recorded dangerous heat indices on Thursday:
- Alabat, Quezon (42°C)
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (42°C)
- Aborlan, Palawan (42°C)
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C)
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (42°C)
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao (42°C)
Pagasa officially announced the start of the dry season last March 23, signaling the end of the amihan, or prevailing northeast monsoon, which had brought lower temperatures across the country.
