‘Danger’ zone heat indices scorching parts of PH for sixth day straight

MANILA, Philippines — Heat indices in several parts of the country are expected to hit “dangerous” levels for the sixth day in a row on Friday, according to the state weather bureau’s 1-day forecast.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) predicted the day’s hottest index of 46°C in Legazpi City and Roxas City; an index of 45°C in Ambulong in Batangas and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte; and 44°C in Masbate City and Iloilo City.

This would be the sixth consecutive day that these locations have endured indices of 42-47°C, temperatures that fall under Pagasa’s “danger” rating.

Heat cramps and exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to these temperatures, according to the weather authority’s effect-based heat index classifications.

Pagasa also forecasted a Friday heat index of 40°C across its three Metro Manila stations in Manila City, Pasay City, and Quezon City. This falls under the ‘extreme caution’ category on the weather bureau’s rankings.

Heat index refers to the “measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself,” according to Pagasa.

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JPV