MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a warning on Wednesday (15 May 2024) about dangerously high heat index levels in 37 areas.

Dagupan City in Pangasinan is expected to experience the highest heat index at 47°C.

The following areas are forecasted to have heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 47°C:

NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43°C
Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42°C
Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47°C
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 44°C
Bacnotan, La Union – 45°C
Aparri, Cagayan – 44°C
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43°C
ISU Echague, Isabela – 43°C
Iba, Zambales – 43°C
Cubi Pt. Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43°C
Alabat, Quezon – 44°C
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
Coron, Palawan – 43°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 43°C
Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
Legazpi City, Albay – 42°C
Virac, Catanduanes – 45°C
Masbate City, Masbate – 44°C
CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46°C
Roxas City, Capiz – 46°C
Mambusao, Capiz – 42°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42°C
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42°C
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44°C
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43°C

PAGASA explained that the heat index measures how hot it feels to the human body when humidity is combined with the air temperature.

The weather bureau advised the public to limit outdoor activities, especially at noon, and to stay hydrated. Those who need to go outside should use umbrellas, wear hats, and dress in long-sleeved clothing.

Additionally, the shear line affecting the eastern section of Northern Luzon will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, the Cordilleras, and Aurora.

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.

Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas are expected in the northern and western sections of Northern Luzon, while the rest of the archipelago will have light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.

(el Amigo/MNM)