The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a warning of potentially hazardous heat index levels in 40 areas across the country for Tuesday. The forecast, as of 5 p.m. on Monday, indicates that some regions may experience temperatures reaching up to 47°C, classified as “danger level.”
Here’s a breakdown of the forecasted heat index:
- 47°C: Dagupan City, Pangasinan
- 46°C: Virac (Synop), Catanduanes; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
- 45°C: Roxas City, Capiz; Catarman, Northern Samar; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte
- 44°C: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Bacnotan, La Union; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Masbate City, Masbate; Iloilo City, Iloilo
- 43°C: NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila; Aparri, Cagayan; ISU, Echague, Isabela; Baler (Radar), Aurora; Casiguran, Aurora; Aborlan, Palawan; Dumangas, Iloilo; Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
- 42°C: Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Iba, Zambales; Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga; CLSU, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City; Sangley Point, Cavite; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Daet, Camarines Norte; La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Catbalogan, Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Davao City, Davao Del Sur; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte
The heat index is a measure of the temperature that individuals perceive, factoring in humidity and actual air temperature. PAGASA warns that areas experiencing a heat index from 42 to 51°C may encounter heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potential heat stroke with prolonged exposure.
On Monday, Dagupan City, Pangasinan, recorded the highest heat index at 50°C. Concerns about heat-related illnesses have prompted the Department of Health (DOH) to report 77 cases so far this year, with a significant portion affecting individuals aged 12 to 21 years old. Though seven cases were classified as “reported deaths,” insufficient data prevents definitive conclusions about heat stroke as the cause.
The DOH emphasizes that these deaths may be related to heat-induced illnesses or influenced by underlying health conditions exacerbated by high temperatures, such as increased risk for heart attacks.
Due to the extreme heat expected, some areas have suspended face-to-face classes on Tuesday to ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators.