MANILA, Philippines — The maximum heat index or the level of discomfort felt by humans may reach 52 degrees Celsius in General Santos today.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the heat index may range between 31 to 52 degrees Celsius in the city.
Temperatures of 52 degrees Celsius and above are classified as extreme danger level.
The agency warned the public that heat stroke is imminent during continued exposure to high temperatures as well as exhausting activities.
The heat index is the temperature felt by the body relative to high humidity.
PAGASA had earlier said the heat index in Laoag City in Ilocos Sur may reach 48 degrees Celsius today.
The highest heat index recorded for this dry season was 47 degrees Celsius in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on March 25 and in Butuan City in Agusan del Norte on March 24.
PAGASA said extreme caution should be taken during these temperature surges.
The state weather bureau raised the alert level to El Nino Watch as the probability of the occurrence had reached 55 percent or more.