The state weather bureau has placed ten areas under a “danger” level heat index today, as the peak of the warm and dry season continues to grip the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the heat index—the temperature perceived by the human body when humidity is factored in—is expected to soar to life-threatening levels in several provinces.
Dumangas, Iloilo is projected to experience the highest heat index at 45°C, closely followed by Cavite City at 44°C. A heat index of 43°C is anticipated in Iloilo City, La Carlota City, and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to hit 42°C in Cuyo and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Iba in Zambales, San Ildefonso in Bulacan, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.
An additional 24 locations, including parts of Metro Manila like Pasay and Quezon City, are forecast to remain within the 40°C to 41°C range.
Under the “danger” classification (42°C to 51°C), health officials warn that heat cramps and exhaustion are highly likely, while prolonged exposure significantly increases the risk of heat stroke.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend:
- Avoiding outdoor physical activities between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Maintaining constant hydration and limiting caffeine intake.
- Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Utilizing protective gear like hats and umbrellas when outdoors.
The current heat surge is driven by the prevailing Easterlies—warm winds from the Pacific Ocean—which bring moisture that spikes humidity levels across the archipelago.
Despite the intense heat, localized relief may occur; scattered rains are expected in the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga, while severe thunderstorms could develop in the afternoon or evening across various regions including Central Luzon, Ilocos, and parts of Mindanao.
PAGASA confirmed that there are currently no active low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones within or near the Philippine borders.
Senior weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio stated:
“Wala po tayong na-mo-monitor na LPA o bagyo sa loob at labas ng ating Philippine area of responsibility.”
However, the public is advised that the worst may not be over.
Ana Liza Solmoro-Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, noted that temperatures typically peak during this window.
“May mga possibility na posibleng tataas pa rin yung ating temperature kasi historically, later part ng April or first half ng Mayo dyan nakakapagtala ng mas matataas na temperature, so possible pa rin.”
Historically, the highest temperature ever recorded in the Philippines was 42.2°C in Tuguegarao City (1912 and 1969), while Metro Manila recently set its own record of 38.8°C on April 27, 2024.