Infanta, Quezon still faces dangerous heat index amid stormy weather

LUCENA CITY — Despite rainy conditions brought by Tropical Depression “Ester” and the southwest monsoon, the municipality of Infanta in Quezon province is expected to continue experiencing dangerous heat index levels on Friday and Saturday.

READ: Tropical depression forms inside PAR; Signal No. 1 in Batanes

In its 5 p.m. forecast on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Infanta may register a heat index of 45 degrees Celsius on both days.

The northern Quezon town has recorded persistently high heat index levels in recent days, including 45°C on May 29 and 31; 44°C on June 1; and a scorching 49°C on June 3 and 45°C on June 4.

READ: Extreme heat eases a bit in Infanta, Quezon as heat index hits 45°C

The heat index measures how hot it feels to the human body when air temperature and humidity are combined.

Pagasa classifies heat index values between 42°C and 51°C as “dangerous,” warning that prolonged exposure may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which can progress to heat stroke.

The local government of Infanta urged residents to remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses despite the rainy weather.

Residents were advised to stay hydrated, wear light and comfortable clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The local government also encouraged the use of umbrellas, hats, and other protective gear and advised against strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

In its latest weather bulletin issued early Friday, Pagasa said Tropical Depression Ester was located about 225 kilometers west of Itbayat, Batanes, as of 3 a.m.

The weather disturbance was carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph while moving northeast at 20 kph toward Taiwan.

Pagasa said Ester is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continues to affect parts of western Luzon, bringing occasional rains over the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales./coa