Dangerous heat index recorded in 21 areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a heat index warning for 21 areas across the country as temperatures and humidity pushed conditions into the danger level, with some locations feeling as hot as 45 degrees Celsius.

Tuguegarao City, Ilagan in Isabela and Infanta in Quezon all registered the highest heat index yesterday at 45 degrees while Pasay City and Aparri in Cagayan posted a sweltering 44 degrees.

Dagupan in Pangasinan, Camiling in Tarlac, Subic Bay in Olongapo, Sangley Point in Cavite, Pili in Camarines Sur, Masbate City and Catarman in Northern Samar registered one level lower at 43 degrees.

Also registering extreme heat at 42 degrees were Quezon City, Laoag in Ilocos Norte, Daet in Camarines Norte, Iba in Zambales, Clark in Pampanga, Alabat in Quezon, Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, Legazpi in Albay and Ambulong in Tanauan City.

The heat index is a measure of how hot it actually feels when relative humidity is factored in with the air temperature.

With many areas now surpassing critical heat levels, PAGASA is advising the public to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.