A scorching 50 degrees Celsius (°C) heat index was recorded in Albay on Thursday afternoon, while other parts of the country also experienced dangerous levels of temperature, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) said.
In the data released by PAGASA on Friday, it was observed that the highest heat index on Thursday was recorded in its Legazpi City station at around 2 p.m., followed by the 47 °C in Sangley Point, Cavite.
According to PAGASA, heat index refers to the actual feel of temperature, as 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 considered 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.
In Metro Manila, other cities also experienced dangerous levels of heat index with 45 °C in Port Area, Manila, and 43 °C both in Science Garden in Quezon City and at the NAIA Station in Pasay City.
Dangerous levels of temperature were also recorded in Ambulong, Batangas, and Munoz, Nueva Ecija at 46 °C; Roxas City, Capiz at 45 °C; Alabat, Quezon; Catbalogan, Western Samar; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, all at 43 °C; Cotabato City, Maguindanao; Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte; Iba, Zambales; and Tuguegarao City, Cagayan at 42 °C; and Clark, Pampanga; Coron, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Dauis, Bohol; San Jose, Occidental, Mindoro; Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur; and Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte at 41 °C;
Meanwhile, based on PAGASA’s five-day heat index forecast, dangerous levels of heat indices are also expected on Friday, with temperatures ranging from 41.2°C in Cabanatuan City and in Sangley Point, to 41.8 °C in Aparri; and on Saturday from 41.1 °C in Daet to 41.9 °C in Aparri.
Based on the data from PAGASA, San Jose City in Occidental Mindoro has recorded this year’s highest heat index so far in the country with a sizzling 58 °C observed last April 20, followed by the 53 °C in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte on May 6.
The state weather agency advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible, wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, and to drink plenty of water regularly. (Alexandria San Juan)
