‘Extreme danger’ heat index logged in Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines — While some parts of the country were experiencing rains spawned by Typhoon Aghon over the weekend, the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar was reeling from a heat index of 55 degrees Celsius or “extreme danger on Sunday,” according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Aghon is the first tropical cyclone to enter the country this year. It was also the first time for state meteorologists to record an “extreme danger” heat index, which ranges from 52 degrees Celsius and above.

PAGASA senior weather specialist Benison Estareja said that “danger level” heat index would continue in certain areas despite recent rains brought by Aghon.

“We still expect some (areas to experience) dangerous levels of heat index once Aghon leaves the country, especially in the Visayas and eastern Mindanao,” Estareja said.

He said among the areas expected to experience dangerous levels of heat index are the cities of Butuan, Davao and Zamboanga as well as Guiuan.

He said Metro Manila will be sunny while rains would persist over Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and in the provinces of Bataan and Zambales until before weekend.