Dagupan City in Pangasinan registered last weekend summer the highest heat index temperature at 50 degrees Celsius, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA said.
That was four degrees less than its recorded at 54ºC on April 22 at 2 p.m., PAGASA said.
The heat index or “init factor”—recorded at 5 p.m. Saturday, 72 minutes before sundown—is the measure of the temperature that a person feels in contrast to the actual air temperature.
Meanwhile, the following areas had above-40 degrees Celsius heat index on Saturday:
Aparri, Cagayan: 46ºC at 5 p.m.
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte: 44ºC at 2 p.m.
Casiguran, Aurora: 42ºC at 2 p.m.
Masbate City, Masbate: 42ºC at 1 p.m.
NAIA, Pasay City: 42ºC at 1 p.m.
From March 1 to April 30, the highest heat index was also recorded in Dagupan City at 54ºC on April 22 at 2 p.m., PAGASA said.
The weather bureau classifies as in “danger” zone the areas with heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC, and “extreme danger” when the heat index is at 52ºC and above.
PAGASA said with heat index in the danger zone, residents may experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
In areas under extreme danger, heat stroke is imminent, PAGASA said.
The weather bureau advised the public to limit their time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor.
It also encouraged the use of umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing.
PAGASA also advised the public to schedule heavy-duty activities at the beginning or end of the day when temperatures are cooler.
