A heat index of 46 degrees Celsius is projected over Metro Manila, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, and Sangley Point in Cavite this Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on its computed two-day forecast as of 5PM on Thursday, PAGASA said Filipinos across 33 locations will continue to feel extreme heat measured at 42 to 45 degrees Celsius.
These include parts of La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, Zambales, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bataan, Quezon Province, Batangas, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Albay, Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Iloilo, Eastern and Northern Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.
On Thursday, Sangley Point in Cavite endured the hottest temperature at 47C while the cities of Pasay and Quezon in Metro Manila sizzled at 46C and 42C respectively, according to the state weather bureau.
Local government units in the affected areas have already announced suspensions of onsite classes. Schools are encouraged to keep implementing alternative modes of learning to protect students and teachers against the sweltering heat.
The months of March, April and May are typically the hottest and driest in the archipelago, but conditions this year have been exacerbated by the El Niño weather phenomenon. The heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.