Visayas heat index rises; some areas hit danger level—Pagasa

ILOILO CITY — Heat index levels across the Visayas have intensified further, with some areas now breaching the “danger” threshold, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its updated five-day computed heat index and two-day forecast released at 5 p.m. on April 20, Pagasa reported that large parts of Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas remain under “extreme caution” (33°C to 41°C), with several stations now recording readings of 42°C or higher.

In Western Visayas, Iloilo City reached a peak heat index of 42°C, placing it under the “danger” category, while Dumangas, Iloilo, and Roxas City, Capiz continued to post high values ranging from 39°C to 41°C.

Forecasts indicate these areas will remain within upper extreme caution to near-danger levels through April 21 and 22.

Across Negros Island, La Carlota City in Negros Occidental climbed to 41°C, while Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental recorded lower but still concerning levels between 34°C and 36°C. Conditions are expected to persist with only slight variations in the coming days.

In Central Visayas, heat indices remain elevated but relatively stable. Mactan, Cebu is projected to range between 35°C and 37°C, while Panglao, Bohol is likely to stay around 36°C to 37°C, keeping both areas under extreme caution.

Eastern Visayas, however, continues to show more volatile conditions. Borongan, Eastern Samar again reached the “danger” level at 42°C, while Guiuan, Eastern Samar and Tacloban City, Leyte posted heat indices ranging from 39°C to 41°C, nearing critical levels.

The latest figures mark an escalation from earlier reports over the weekend, when most Visayas stations were still within the extreme caution range, with only isolated areas reaching the danger threshold.

Pagasa warned that prolonged exposure to heat index levels above 33°C increases the likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while readings of 42°C and above significantly raise the risk of heat stroke.

Authorities continue to urge residents to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and take precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and those with underlying health conditions.

Pagasa attributed the sustained and intensifying heat to prevailing fair weather conditions, which allow temperatures to build up during the day despite occasional localized thunderstorms.

The agency said monitoring remains ongoing as high heat index levels are expected to persist across the Visayas in the coming days. /mcm