Dagupan City in Pangasinan recorded the country's highest heat index so far in 2021 at 52 degrees Celsius (°C) on Wednesday afternoon, May 12.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recorded the 52°C heat index at around 2 p.m., which surpassed the 51°C heat index that was registered also in Dagupan City on May 8.
PAGASA monitored "dangerous" heat index values in the following areas on Wednesday.
Dagupan City, Pangasinan (52°C, 2 p.m.)
Sangley Pt., Cavite (46°C, 2 p.m.)
Cotabato City, Maguindanao (44°C, 2 p.m.)
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (43°C, 11 a.m.)
NAIA, Pasay City (43°C, 2 p.m.)
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (43°C, 2 p.m.)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (43°C, 2 p.m.)
Ambulong, Batangas (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Casiguran, Aurora (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (42°C, 11 a.m.)
Clark Airport, Pampanga (41°C, 2 p.m.)
Iba, Zambales (41°C, 11 a.m.)
Roxas City, Capiz (41°C, 2 p.m.)
Science Garden, Quezon City (41°C, 2 p.m.)
A heat index between 41℃ and 54℃ is under what the PAGASA considers as "danger" level due to the high likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
PAGASA attributed the warm and humid weather conditions to the prevalence of the easterlies over Luzon and Visayas.
READ: How to stay cool amid the scorching weather
PAGASA also reminded the public to take extra precautions during a severe thunderstorm activity that usually occur in the afternoon or evening, as it could trigger flash floods or landslides.