Heat index reaches ‘dangerous’ levels in parts of PH– Pagasa

Temperatures continue to rise across the country with heat index breaching 44 degrees Celsius (°C) in some provinces, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Friday.

The state weather bureau’s Gener Quitlong said a heat index of 48.2°C was recorded in Dagupan City Pangasinan on Thursday.

Heat index refers to the actual feel of temperature, opposed to the temperature measured by a thermometer. The high air temperatures and high relative humidity are the factors considered in heat index.

Heat indices of 41°C to 54°C are considered “dangerous.” This means heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, with a heat stroke probable with continued activity.

A heat index of 45°C was recorded over Ambulong, Batangas; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; and Cuyo, Palawan also on Thursday.

The heat index over Sangley Point in Cavite was recorded at 44.6°C.

The hottest temperature in the country on Thursday was recorded in Dagupan City at 36.9°C.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said the easterlies will continue to bring warm weather nationwide on Friday.

Overcast skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms could however be expected over Davao region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen, the state weather agency noted.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain, it added. /kga