38 areas could hit 'danger' level heat index on May 18

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 38 areas nationwide are expected to fall under the "danger" heat index classification on Saturday, PAGASA said.

Based on its recent forecast, the state weather bureau reported that some parts of the country could record heat indices ranging from 42 degrees Celsius to 45°C.

The heat index, or apparent temperature, considers both humidity and air temperature to show how hot it actually feels.

The following areas will be classified as "dangerous," with temperatures ranging from 42°C to 45°C on Saturday:

45°C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan 
• Aparri, Cagayan 
• Dumangas, Iloilo 
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur 

44°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro 
• Cuyo, Palawan 
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Iloilo City, Iloilo 
• Catarman, Northern Samar
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte 
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 

43°C

• NAIA, Pasay City
• Bacnotan, La Union
• Iba, Zambales
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 
• Baler (Radar), Aurora 
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas 
• Alabat, Quezon 
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Catbalogan, Samar

42°C

• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 
• ISU Echague, Isabela
• Casiguran, Aurora 
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City 
• Sangley Point, Cavite
• Infanta, Quezon 
• Mulanay, Quezon 
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• Legazpi City, Albay 
• Masbate City, Masbate 
• Juban, Sorsogon
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur 
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar 
• CMU Agromet, Musuan, Bukidnon
• Davao City, Davao del Sur
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao

Under the "danger" classification, temperatures range from 42°C to 51°C, increasing risks of heat-related ailments such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

Prolonged sun exposure heightens the likelihood of heat stroke.

PAGASA advised to do the following in order to avoid heat-related illnesses:

• Reduce outdoor activities
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid specific beverages to prevent heat-related illnesses
• When outdoors, use umbrellas, hats, or wear long sleeves 
• Schedule intense activities for cooler parts of the day

The state weather bureau previously said that the worst of the record-high temperatures and searing heat might have passed, with many areas likely to experience thunderstorms in the second half of May.

But regions could still face a high heat index ranging between 45°C and 48°C.

Extreme heat has blasted Asia including the Philippines in recent weeks, triggering heatstroke deaths, school closures and desperate prayers for cooling rain.

While April and May are normally the hottest time of year in Southeast Asia, experts say the El Niño effect is making this year's heat particularly intense.

According to PAGASA, La Niña, which is associated with above normal rainfall conditions, will likely prevail from June to August. — with a report from Agence France-Presse