Visayas heat persists as areas record ‘danger’ heat index levels

ILOILO CITY — Several areas in the Visayas experienced sweltering heat on Wednesday, June 3, with some stations recording “danger” heat index levels despite the onset of the rainy season.

Based on the latest five-day computed heat index bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) as of 5 p.m., Roxas City in Capiz posted the highest heat index in Western Visayas at 44 degrees Celsius, placing it under the “danger” classification.

Other Western Visayas stations remained under the “extreme caution” category, with Mambusao, Capiz recording 42°C, Dumangas, Iloilo 40°C, and Iloilo City 39°C.

READ: Dangerous heat index forecast in 10 areas on Wednesday; to peak at 44°C

In the neighboring Negros Island Region, La Granja in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental reached 40°C, while Dumaguete City registered 39°C.

Across the Visayas, several stations also recorded elevated heat indices. Catarman, Northern Samar, and Tacloban City both logged 43°C, placing them under the danger category. Guiuan, Eastern Samar reached 41°C and Catbalogan, Western Samar recorded 41°C.

In Central Visayas, Panglao International Airport in Bohol registered 40°C, while Mactan International Airport in Cebu recorded 39°C.

Pagasa classifies heat index values of 42°C to 51°C as “danger,” where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity.

Readings of 33°C to 41°C fall under the “extreme caution” category, where heat-related illnesses may still occur.

The agency’s five-day heat index data also showed that several Visayas stations have consistently registered high readings since May 30.

Roxas City reached as high as 43°C on May 30 and June 1 before climbing to 44°C on June 3, while Catarman and Tacloban repeatedly recorded readings above 40°C during the period.

Nationally, only one station was categorized as “not hazardous” on June 3, while most of the country remained under either extreme caution or danger levels, reflecting persistent heat stress conditions despite increased cloudiness and rainfall in some areas.

Health authorities continue to advise the public to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur. /mcm