MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded a heat index of 47 degrees Celsius in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on Friday – the highest so far recorded nationwide with the onset of the dry season.
This was a degree higher than the 46 degrees Celsius heat index recorded in San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro last March 17.
Also listed in PAGASA’s top five places in the country with the highest heat index from March 1 to March 25 are Maasin, Southern Leyte (43 degrees Celsius on March 25); Dauis, Bohol (43 degrees Celsius on March 24); and Roxas City, Capiz (43 degrees Celsius also on March 24).
The weather bureau defines heat index as a measure of how hot it really feels outside, when humidity and other factors are considered along with the temperature.
For Saturday’s figures, PAGASA recorded the highest heat index in Davao City and Masbate City, with both registering at 42 degrees Celsius. The town of Borongan in Eastern Samar and Dagupan City in Pangasinan followed with 41 degrees Celsius.
Based on its forecast, the heat index of General Santos could reach 43 degrees Celsius on March 29 and 42 degrees Celsius for Butuan on March 30.
The weather bureau warned that heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to heat index ranging from 42 to 52 degrees Celsius.
It advised the public to limit the time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda and liquor. It also urged them to schedule heavy-duty activities to prevent heat-related illnesses.
PAGASA officially declared the beginning of the warm and dry season on March 21 as it announced the termination of the northeast monsoon, which signals the start of what is commonly referred to as the summer season in the country.
The dry season that brings warmer temperatures is expected to last until May.
PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano also advised the public to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.