Imus, Cavite hits dangerous 45.6°C on Monday despite rains

UCENA CITY — Residents of Imus City in Cavite were advised to take precautions against extreme heat on Monday after the city recorded a heat index of 45.6 degrees Celsius despite prevailing rainy weather conditions.

READ: Signal No. 1 in 3 areas as Typhoon Francisco intensifies

In a public advisory posted on Facebook, the Imus City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures could lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

“There is a high chance of experiencing heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke,” the advisory stated.

The DRRMO reported that the city’s heat index reached 40°C at 10:50 a.m., and 45.6°C at noon, placing it on the “danger” category based on the standards set by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Heat index values typically peak between midday and late afternoon. The heat index measures the temperature the human body experiences by combining actual air temperature with relative humidity.

According to Pagasa, heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 51°C fall under the danger category, where prolonged exposure increases the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Although Pagasa suspended the regular issuance of heat index forecasts on June 5 to focus on weather advisories during the rainy season, it urged the public in areas still experiencing hot conditions to monitor official updates and continue observing health and safety precautions.

Meanwhile, Pagasa reported that Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) intensified into a typhoon at around 2 p.m. on Sunday and is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The weather bureau also warned that heavy rains brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, could begin affecting parts of the country on Monday.

In addition, Pagasa is monitoring a low-pressure area located about 3,030 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. However, the agency said the weather disturbance has a low likelihood of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours. /coa