Danger-level heat index seen in 21 areas

MANILA, Philippines — At least 21 areas across the country are expected to experience danger-level heat indices today, with Dagupan City in Pangasinan forecast to record the highest at 47 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

In its latest heat index bulletin, PAGASA warned that the apparent temperature or the “feels-like” heat experienced by the human body may reach between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius across several parts of Luzon and the Bicol Region.

A heat index within this range falls under the “danger” category, which increases the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke with prolonged exposure or physical activity under the sun.

Among the areas projected to reach the danger threshold are Subic Bay in Olongapo, Sangley Point in Cavite City, Ambulong in Tanauan City, Calapan in Oriental Mindoro, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Cuyo in Palawan, Legazpi City in Albay, Casiguran in Aurora, Clark in Pampanga, Iba in Zambales, Pasay City and Virac in Catanduanes – all with forecast heat indices of 42 degrees Celsius.

Aparri in Cagayan, Tuguegarao City, Bacnotan in La Union, Daet in Camarines Norte and Masbate City are expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius. Ilagan (Echague) in Isabela and Pili in Camarines Sur may hit 44 degrees Celsius.

Baler in Aurora is forecast to reach 46 degrees Celsius, while Dagupan City in Pangasinan is expected to experience the highest heat index at 47 degrees Celsius.

Despite the prevailing heat, PAGASA is monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) last spotted 805 kilometers off the eastern coast of Mindanao.

Although it still has a low chance of developing into a typhoon, this LPA embedded in the intertropical convergence zone is enhancing cloud formation over Mindanao and Palawan, which might bring rains over these areas and the Visayas today until the weekend.

Meanwhile, Luzon and parts of the Visayas are expected to remain mostly dry and hot, with the easterlies bringing in warm and humid air from the Pacific Ocean. Any rains in these regions will likely be isolated thunderstorms in the late afternoon or evening.

Sea conditions across the archipelago remain generally calm, with no gale warnings currently in effect.

PAGASA reiterated its advice to the public to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities and avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Organizers of outdoor Labor Day activities are urged to ensure access to shaded areas and adequate drinking water for attendees.