Heat index reaches ‘dangerous’ levels

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

Weatherman 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, as opposed to the temperature measured by a thermometer. 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,” according to the Pagasa. This can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, or a stroke with continued activity.

Hottest temperature

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

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

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

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

Overcast skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected in Davao region, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen, the weather agency said.

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