PAGASA: 37 areas under ‘dangerous’ heat index classification

MANILA, Philippines — Several areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius (°C) on Friday, state weather bureau PAGASA reported.

According to the latest heat index bulletin of the weather agency, 37 areas are forecast to fall under the "danger" heat index classification due to temperatures ranging from 42°C to 45°C.

Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Sangley Point, Cavite; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur may experience a heat index as high as 45°C.

The following areas are expected to experience a "dangerous" heat index classification on Friday:

• Bacnotan, La Union: 44°C
• Roxas City, Capiz: 44°C
• Iloilo City, Iloilo: 44°C
• Dumangas, Iloilo: 44°C
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte: 44°C
• Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila: 43°C
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur: 43°C
• ISU Echague, Isabela: 43°C
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga: 43°C
• Baler (Radar), Aurora: 43°C
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan: 43°C
• Cuyo, Palawan: 43°C
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes: 43°C
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar: 43°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao: 43°C
• Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila: 42°C
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte: 42°C
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte: 42°C
• Aparri, Cagayan: 42°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42°C
• Iba, Zambales: 42°C
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: 42°C
• Casiguran, Aurora: 42°C
• Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas: 42°C
• Infanta, Quezon: 42°C
• Alabat, Quezon: 42°C
• Daet, Camarines Norte: 42°C
• Masbate City, Masbate: 42°C
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 42°C
• Catbalogan, Samar: 42°C
• Davao City, Davao del Sur: 42°C
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte: 42°C

Meanwhile, much of the country is classified under "extreme caution," with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, takes into account both the relative humidity and the actual air temperature to determine how hot it feels.

PAGASA has issued a "danger" warning as temperatures rise between 42°C and 51°C.

They warned that people are at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion in these extreme temperatures.

To avoid potential issues from the intense heat, the state weather bureau advised the public to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and schedule daily activities for cooler parts of the day.