‘Danger’ heat index possible in 2 provinces Sunday

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MANILA, Philippines – It will be a hot Sunday in several areas according to the forecast from weather bureau stations.

As of the 5 p.m. data Saturday from Virac, Catanduanes and Zambaonga City, Zamboanga del Sur, they will experience a “danger” heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.

“Extreme caution” reading at 41 degrees is forecast in Cuyo, Palawan; and Masbate City, Masbate; and 40 degrees in Legazpi City and Guinobatan, Albay; Dumangas, Iloilo; Catarman, Northern Samar; Davao City, Davao del Sur; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; and General Santos City, South Cotabato.

READ: Heat index under ‘danger’ level seen in 3 areas on Saturday (March 15)

On Saturday, Zamboanga City and Virac were under 42 and 43 degrees heat indexes, respectively.

In contrast, La Trinidad, Benguet and Baguio City were at a “not hazardous” 24 and 25 degrees, respectively.

The hottest actual temperature was recorded at Subic Bay International Airport in Olongapo City, Zambales at 35.1 degrees.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) previously assured that this year’s dry season would not reach the extreme levels experienced during the onslaught of El Niño in 2024.

Pagasa Assistant Weather Services chief and spokesperson Ana Liza Solis said heat indexes could soar to between 48 and 50 degrees Celsius, especially toward the end of April and early May, but only in isolated instances and not on a widespread scale.