Manila, Philippines — A sweltering heat wave is expected to grip the Philippines on Tuesday, with at least 39 areas forecast to experience danger level heat indices, the weather bureau warned.
Dagupan City in Pangasinan is expected to sizzle with a scorching heat index of 49°C, while Aparri in Cagayan and Tuguegarao City in Cagayan are expected to reach 47°C and 46°C, respectively. Another 36 areas, including major cities and towns, will experience heat indices ranging from 42°C to 45°C.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that heat indices between 41°C to 51°C are considered dangerous, as they can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to heat stroke.
The affected areas include cities and towns in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Laoag City, Iba in Zambales, Coron in Palawan, and Iloilo City, among others.
Meanwhile, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to southern Mindanao, including Davao Region, Surigao del Sur, and Zamboanga del Sur. Moderate to heavy rains in these areas may cause flash floods or landslides.
The rest of the country will experience fair weather, with isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms due to the easterlies. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas are expected to prevail across the archipelago.
Residents are advised to take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Heat indices of 42°C to 45°C are likely in these areas:
Laoag City, llocos Norte
Bacnotan, La Union
Iba, Zambales
Coron, Palawan
Aborlan, Palawan
CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
Sinait, llocos Sur
ISU Echague, Isabela
CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Baler, Aurora
Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Virac, Catanduanes
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Dumangas, Iloilo
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
Clark Airport, Pampanga
Casiguran, Aurora
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Masbate City, Masbate
Roxas City, Capiz
Mambusao, Capiz
La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur
NAIA
Science Garden, Quezon City
Calayan, Cagayan
NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Sangley Point, Cavite
Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
Daet, Camarines Norte
Legazpi City, Albay
Catarman, Northern Samar
Catbalogan, Western Samar
Tacloban City, Leyte
Stay tuned for further updates as the heat wave situation develops.