MANILA – The weather bureau warned of dangerous heat index levels in 40 areas across the country on Thursday (16 May 2024).

The highest levels of up to 46°C are expected in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Pili, Camarines Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted the following heat index levels for various areas:

NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42°C
Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43°C
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 46°C
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
Bacnotan, La Union – 45°C
Aparri, Cagayan – 43°C
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
ISU Echague, Isabela – 42°C
Iba, Zambales – 43°C
Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
Cubi Pt. Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 43°C
Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43°C
Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
Coron, Palawan – 42°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
Legazpi City, Albay – 43°C
Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45°C
Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46°C
Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
Siquijor, Siquijor – 42°C
Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
Tacloban City, Leyte – 43°C
Borongan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 44°C
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44°C
Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 42°C
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 46°C

PAGASA explains that the heat index reflects the perceived temperature when humidity and air temperature are combined.

Health and Safety Recommendations

The public is advised to minimize outdoor activities, especially around noon, and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Those who must be outdoors should use umbrellas or wear hats and sleeved clothing to protect themselves from the sun.

Weather Update

A shear line affecting extreme Northern Luzon is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela. Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.

The northern and western sections of Northern Luzon will experience moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas, while the rest of the archipelago will have light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.

(By el Amigo/MNM)