MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in five locations nationwide has reached the “danger” level on Easter Sunday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In its 5 p.m. update, the state weather bureau said Catarman, Northern Samar had a heat index of at 45 degrees Celsius (°C), while Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur and Aparri, Cagayan, had a heat index of 44°C.
Zamboanga City’s heat index soared to 43°C while Daet, Camarines Norte logged a 42°C heat index.
Pagasa said a heat index of 42 to 51°C falls under the “danger” category and would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued heat or sun exposure.
Meanwhile, below are other areas that are expected to reach dangerous heat indices on Monday (April 1):
- Aparri, Cagayan (43°C)
- Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C)
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C)
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (43°C)
Pagasa officially announced the onset of the dry season last March 23, signaling the end of the amihan, or prevailing northeast monsoon, which had brought lower temperatures across the country.