MANILA, Philippines — Casiguran, Aurora on Monday logged the highest-ever heat index recorded in the country so far at 60°C, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The town’s heat index falls under the “extreme danger” category, making cases of heat stroke “imminent,” Pagasa said.
This is also the fourth day when the area recorded heat beyond 52°C, the threshold for the “extreme danger” category.
On Aug. 11 and 12, the area recorded 53°C, while the heat index on Aug. 13 jumped to 59°C.
The heat index measures the level of discomfort an average person experiences due to the combined effects of the temperature and air humidity.
Pagasa officially declared the onset of El Niño in early July, which increases the prospect of below-normal rainfall conditions that could bring negative impacts such as “dry spells” or droughts in some parts of the country.