Cotabato City logs the highest heat index in PH again at 43°C

Once again, Cotabato City registers the highest heat index in the country on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 43 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). INQUIRER FILES / STOCK IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines — Cotabato City registered the highest heat index in the country on Friday at 43 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

The area’s heat index, which was recorded at 5:00 p.m., falls under the “danger” category, which ranges from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius, according to the state weather agency.

Pagasa also said Cotabato City logged 43 degrees Celsius on Thursday, March 7.

The temperature in Cotabato City is forecast to still reach the “danger” category at 42 degrees this entire weekend.

Pagasa said a heat index of the “danger” category could likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to the sun.

READ: Two areas in Cagayan may hit 42 Celsius heat index – Pagasa

However, Pagasa noted that the heat index for the rest of the country is still below that level but mostly ranged from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius where “extreme danger” should be observed.

In Metro Manila, state meteorologists said heat index peaked at 37 degrees Celsius on Friday.

READ: Record-high 50°C heat index scorches Legazpi City, Albay

Heat index measures the level of discomfort an average person experiences due to combined effects of the temperature and air humidity.

The country is still reeling from the effects of a “strong and mature” El Niño or the weather phenomenon 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 until the first quarter of 2024, according to Pagasa.