Dangerous levels of heat indeces with maximum temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius were recorded in some provinces across the country last Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.
PAGASA said the hottest temperature in the country last Thursday was recorded in Dagupan City which had a maximum heat index of 44.5 °C, slightly lower from the 48.2°C Wednesday.
Heat index in Dagupan is expected to further decrease to 37.2°C yesterday.
PAGASA defines heat index as the actual feel of temperature, opposed to the temperature measured by a thermometer.
The high air temperatures and high relative humidity are the factors considered in heat index which give high apparent temperatures or indices.
The State weather bureau considers heat indices of 41°C to 54°C as dangerous, meaning heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely and a heat stroke is probable with continued activity.
Apart from Dagupan City, a dangerous heat index of 41.4°C was recorded over Cuyo, Palawan and Sangley Point, Cavite also on Thursday, while a heat index of 41°C was recorded in Cotabato, Maguindanao.
PAGASA weather specialist Gener Quitlong said the public will continue to experience warmer days as the easterlies, or the warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, still affect the whole country yesterday.
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, Bicol region, Aurora, and Quezon due to easterlies. (Ellalyn V. Ruiz)