Heat index in Dagupan City hits 42°C anew

Beachgoers take a plunge into the water around the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan province in this photo taken on March 18, 2023. The province has been experiencing a searing heat index with Dagupan City registering a high 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday afternoon, March 29, 2023.  Photo by Willie Lomibao

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan — This city continued to register a sweltering temperature after the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius (°C) at 2 p.m. Wednesday (March 29), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The dry bulb or air temperature, on the other hand, was at 34.6°C, according to the state weather bureau.

READ: Extreme heat in PH: Health risks, economic impact

It was the second time this year that the heat index in the city reached 42°C, which was also recorded on March 26.

Pagasa said the searing heat index was categorized as “dangerous” and could cause people to suffer from heat cramps and heat exhaustion. The heat index refers to what people perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.

READ: Explainer: How to beat ‘heatstroke’ during the summer season

This could also lead to heat stroke if physical activities are continuous, the provincial disaster risk reduction management office (PDRRMO) warned.

Residents were asked to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and other ailments.

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