Highest heat index so far this year at 52°C recorded in Dagupan

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Dagupan City Pangasinan soared to 52ºC on Wednesday afternoon, the highest so far this year, according to the state weather bureau.

The heat index — the temperature as felt by the human body — peaked at 2:00 p.m. in the country’s bangus (milkfish) capital based on data by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

According to Pagasa, the heat index or the “human discomfort index” gives the “apparent” temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.

Heat index could vary depending on where an individual is and is different from the temperature forecast for the day, the state weather bureau clarified.

Based on Pagasa’s effect-based classification, a heat index of 27°C to 32°C and 32°C to 41°C is considered to be in “caution” and “extreme caution” levels.

Meanwhile, 41°C to 54°C is classified under the “danger” level. A heat index of 54°C and beyond is considered to be in “extreme danger” level.

Fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are possible with prolonged exposure and activity in areas with high heat indices.

Other areas in the country that recorded a heat index within dangerous levels are as follows:

• Sangley Point, Cavite 46°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao 44°C
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 43°C
• NAIA Pasay City, Manila 43°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro 43°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 43°C
• Ambulong, Batangas 42°C
• Casiguran, Aurora 42°C
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte 42°C
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga 41°C
• Iba, Zambales 41°C
• Roxas City, Capiz 41°C
• Science Garden, Quezon City 41°C

The heat index in Dagupan City also soared to an alarming 51ºC on Saturday while Sangley Point in Cavite recorded 50ºC for two consecutive days last Friday and Saturday.

Pagasa advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.

JE