By Brian Campued
At least 46 areas across the country will continue to experience searing hot temperatures on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its heat index forecast updated on Tuesday afternoon, PAGASA said the heat index in Echague in Isabela, Camiling in Tarlac, and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte may reach as high as 45°C.
Approximately 44°C heat index may also be experienced in the following areas:
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
- Iba, Zambales
- Sangley Point, Cavite City
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
- Alabat, Quezon
- Dumangas, Iloilo
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol
PAGASA also warned of 43°C heat index in:
- Muños, Nueva Ecija
- Subic Bay, Olongapo City
- Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City
- Infanta, Quezon
- Coron, Palawan
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
- Virac, Catanduanes
- Juban, Sorsogon
- Pili, Camarines Sur
- Mambusao, Capiz
- Catbalogan, Western Samar
- Tacloban City, Leyte
- Borongan, Eastern Samar
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
- Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
At least 42°C heat index may likewise be felt in these areas:
- Pasay City, Metro Manila
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan
- Bacnotan, La Union
- Baler, Aurora
- Casiguran, Aurora
- Clark Airport, Pampanga
- San Ildefonso, Bulacan
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan
- Aborlan Palawan
- Legazpi City, Albay
- Masbate City, Masbate
- Guinobatan, Albay
- Roxas City, Capiz
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
- Siquijor, Siquijor
- Mactan International Airport, Cebu
- Catarman, Northern Samar
- Baybay, Leyte
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
- Davao City, Davao del Sur
PAGASA defines heat index as the measurement of the temperature felt by the human body in relation to humidity. The “danger” category consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C.
As of May 12, Butuan City registered the highest heat index in the Philippines at 48°C, the second consecutive day the same heat index level was recorded.
Forty-three other localities also logged danger level heat indices of 42°C-46°C, according to PAGASA.
The state weather bureau reminded the public that prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature significantly increases the risk of fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said the two low pressure areas (LPAs) being monitored—one inside (formerly Tropical Depression Caloy) and one outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR)—will not affect the country’s weather condition on Wednesday as both LPAs are not likely to develop into tropical cyclones.
In its 5:00 p.m. bulletin, the agency said that localized thunderstorms will prevail, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
-av
