Capiz map. | INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Roxas City in Capiz logged the “danger level” and highest heat index temperature at 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
The area’s heat index, which was computed at 5:00 p.m., falls under the “danger” category, ranging from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
READ: Pagasa declares onset of El Niño
Pagasa said a heat index under the “danger” category could likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to the sun.
The other 11 areas that reported “danger-level” temperatures are as follows:
- Aborlan, Palawan: 44 degrees Celsius
- Dagupan, Pangasinan: 43 degrees Celsius
- Sangley Point, Cavite: 43 degrees Celsius
- Tanauan, Batangas: 43 degrees Celsius
- Pili, Camarines Sur: 43 degrees Celsius
- Dumangas, Iloilo: 43 degrees Celsius
- Bacnotan, La Union: 42 degrees Celsius
- Iba, Zambales: 42 degrees Celsius
- Clark, Pampanga: 42 degrees Celsius
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan: 42 degrees Celsius
- Iloilo City, Iloilo: 42 degrees Celsius
Heat index measures the level of discomfort an average person experiences due to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity.
The country is still reeling under the effects of El Niño or the weather phenomenon, which increases the prospect of below-normal rainfall conditions that could have negative impacts, such as “dry spells” or droughts in some parts of the country until the first quarter of 2024, according to Pagasa.