Heat index hits ‘dangerous’ level in 14 areas – Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — At least 14 areas experienced “danger” heat index on Saturday, ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said that topping the list with the highest heat index on May 13  was Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte with 46 degrees Celsius recorded at 1 p.m.

Other areas with “danger” heat included Butuan City in Agusan del Norte and Zamboanga City with 45 degrees Celsius; Dagupan City and Davao City, 43 degrees Celsius;

Pasay City, Nueva Ecija province, Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur, Juban in Sorsogon, Iba town in Zambales, Maasin City in Southern Leyte, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, Roxas City in Capiz and San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro – all with 42 degrees Celsius.

The state bureau added that among the effects of “danger” heat index on the body are heat cramps and exhaustion and possible heat stroke with continued exposure.

On Friday, the heat index in Legazpi City reached 50 degrees Celsius, the highest so far from March 1 to May 13, 2023.

The other top five highest heat index were in Agusan del Norte’s Butuan City and Guiuan town in Eastern Samar, 49 degrees Celsius; Catbalogan City in Western Samar, 48 degrees Celsius; and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, 47 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said that the intertropical convergence zone would affect southern Mindanao.

Badrina added that high temperatures would prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, adding that localized thunderstorms will bring rains.

According to him, the state agency does not expect a tropical cyclone in the next days.

“We don’t monitor any low-pressure area or possible tropical cyclones in the next few days. For this week, there is a small chance that we will have a typhoon,” Badrina said.

PAGASA expects at least two typhoons in May and June, and two to three typhoons in July, August and September 2023.