Highest heat index so far this year at 52.2 C recorded in Catanduanes

MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Virac town in Catanduanes soared to 52.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday afternoon, the highest so far this year.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the previous highest heat index recorded this year was 51.7 degrees in Dagupan City in Pangasinan last April 9.

READ: Heat index soars to 51.7 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City

Pagasa explained that the heat index is the “apparent temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting the body.”

The weather bureau added that a heat index of 41°C or higher is considered to be in the “danger” level and poses health risks.

Other areas in the country that recorded a heat index within dangerous levels are as follows:

Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 50.4 degrees
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 46.4 degrees
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 44.9 degrees
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 43.9 degrees
Roxas City, Capiz – 43.6 degrees
San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro – 43.2 degrees
Legaspi City, Albay – 43.1 degrees
Mactan, Cebu – 42.7 degrees
Ambulong, Batangas – 42.6 degrees
Catarman, Northern Samar – 42.6 degrees
Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42.3 degrees
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42.3 degrees
Cayo, Palawan – 42 degrees
Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur – 42 degrees
Tayabas City, Quezon – 41.8 degrees
Catbalogan, Western Samar – 41.6 degrees
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 41.4 degrees
Pasay City, Metro Manila – 41.4 degrees
Sangley Point, Cavite – 41.2 degrees
Davao City, Davao del Sur – 41 degrees

Pagasa advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. /ee

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