The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration yesterday recorded the highest heat index in the country this year at 52.2 degrees Celsius in Virac, Catanduanes, surpassing the 51.7 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City last April 14.
Heat index is the “apparent” temperature or what human perceives or feels as the temperature affects their body.
It is a combination of air temperature and humidity, thus, it is higher by at least two to three degrees Celsius from the actual air temperature reading.
With heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”
PAGASA also recorded high heat indices in 20 other stations nationwide yesterday – Ambulong, Batangas (42.6°C); Butuan City, Agusan del Sur (41.4°C); Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (46.4°C); Catarman, Northern Samar (42.6°C); Catbalogan, Western Samar (41.6°C); Cuyo, Palawan (42°C); Davao City, Davao del Sur (41°C); Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte (44.9°C); Guiuan, Eastern Samar (50.4°C); Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (42°C); Legazpi City, Albay (43.1°C);
Maasin, Southern Leyte (42.3°C); Mactan International Airport (42.7°C); Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City (41.4 °C); Roxas City, Capiz (43.6°C); San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro (43.2°C); Sangley Point, Cavite (41.2°C); Surigao City, Surigao del Norte (43.9°C); Tayabas City, Quezon (41.8°C); and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (42.3 °C). (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)
