MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine weather agency issued a dire warning on Monday, forecasting dangerously high heat index levels across 36 areas of the country.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), several regions are set to experience heat index readings between 42°C and a sizzling 47°C.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation that poses a serious threat to public health,” said PAGASA spokesperson Maria Victoria Dela Cruz. “We are urging all Filipinos in the affected areas to take immediate precautions.”
Among the regions bracing for the scorching heat are major population hubs like Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, and parts of Visayas and Mindanao. The weather agency singled out Aparri in Cagayan as the hotspot, with an expected heat index of 47°C.
Based on the weather bureau’s forecast, the following areas may have a heat index 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 – 45°C
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 46°C
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
Aparri, Cagayan – 47°C
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 46°C
NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
ISU Echague, Isabela – 45°C
Iba, Zambales – 42°C
Baler, (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42°C
Ambulong. Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 43°C
Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 43°C
Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
Roxas City Capiz – 46°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
Siquijor, Siquijor – 42°C
Catarman, Northern Samar – 43°C
Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 46°C
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42°C
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42°C
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43°C
Heat index is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when relative humidity is factored in with air temperature. Prolonged exposure to such extreme conditions can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.
PAGASA advised the public to limit time outdoors, especially during the midday hours, and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Residents were also encouraged to wear protective clothing, such as hats and long sleeves, and to use umbrellas when venturing out.
The punishing heatwave comes as the country grapples with the transition to the rainy season. While Metro Manila and most of the archipelago are expected to see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers, the extreme heat is forecast to persist throughout the week.
Meteorologists attribute the spike in temperatures to the prevailing easterly winds, which are drawing in hot air from the Pacific Ocean. Climate change experts warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and intense in the years to come.
This is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face due to global warming. We must take immediate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the most vulnerable communities.
