Thirty areas across the Philippines are bracing for scorching temperatures, with peak heat indexes expected to soar above 42ºC (degrees Celsius) on Monday, warns the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
According to Pagasa’s latest projections, Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Aparri in Cagayan are anticipated to experience the highest peak heat indexes at a sweltering 47ºC.
Even in the nation’s capital region, Metro Manila, the heat index around Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City is forecast to peak at a concerning 42ºC.
Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.” When it climbs between 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa automatically designates it as part of the “danger category,” raising the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
Here’s a breakdown of areas forecasted to record a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 45ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 45ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 44ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 43ºC
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42ºC
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42ºC
Stay hydrated, avoid dehydrating drinks, wear loose and light clothing, limit outdoor activities, and use sun protection such as hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen.