Metro Manila, Davao, Zamboanga sizzle as heat index rises

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila sizzled on Monday after the heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius.

The cities of Davao and Zamboanga logged the highest heat index of 43 degrees Celsius on the same day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the heat index of 42 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila was recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

Dagupan and Cotabato City also recorded a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on Monday.

The state weather bureau said a heat index of between 42 to 51 degrees Celsius is in the “danger” level. It warned the public of heat cramps and exhaustion as well as heat stroke with continued exposure to a high heat index.

PAGASA said the heat index in Zamboanga City may reach 43 degrees Celsius today while Dagupan, Davao City and Cotabato City may experience a heat index of 42 degrees.

Marcelino Villafuerte II, chief of PAGASA’s impact assessment and applications section of the climatology and agrometeorology division, said dangerous and extremely dangerous heat index is expected in April and May following the declaration of summer or the warm and dry season in the country.