MANILA – Residents of the Philippines are bracing for a sweltering weekend as the national weather agency warns of dangerously high heat index levels in nine regions across the archipelago.
According to a forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday evening, several provinces are expected to experience heat index readings ranging from 42°C to 45°C on Saturday.
Based on the weather bureau’s 5 p.m. forecast on Friday, the following areas may have a heat index ranging from 42°C to 45°C on Saturday:
Laoag, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45°C
Aparri, Cagayan – 44°C
Tuguegarao, Cagayan – 42°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
CBPSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
Catarman, Northern Samar – 42°C
The areas under alert include Laoag in Ilocos Norte, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Aparri and Tuguegarao in Cagayan, Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan in Palawan, Masbate City, CBPSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur, and Catarman in Northern Samar.
The heat index, a measure of how hot it actually feels to the human body when relative humidity is factored in with the air temperature, is expected to reach dangerous levels in these regions, posing serious health risks.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation that requires immediate action to protect vulnerable populations,” said PAGASA director-general Esperanza Cayanan. “We urge the public to limit time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day, and to stay hydrated.”
Residents are also advised to use umbrellas, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
While the scorching heat grips the northern and central Philippines, the rest of the country is expected to experience generally fair weather conditions, with the possibility of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in some areas.
Temperatures in the capital region of Metro Manila are forecast to range from 25°C to 33°C, while Baguio City in the north will see temperatures between 17°C and 25°C. Other key cities, such as Laoag, Legazpi, Cebu, and Davao, will also see mercury levels rise over the weekend.
Amidst the sweltering heat, PAGASA urges all Filipinos to take necessary precautions and to closely monitor the weather updates to ensure their safety during this challenging period.
