The computed heat index values in Dagupan City, Pangasinan and Sangley Point, Cavite reached 47 degrees Celsius (°C) on Sunday, May 23, amid the prevalence of hot and humid weather across the country.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) attributed the hot and humid conditions to the warm easterly winds affecting the country.
Based on the monitoring of PAGASA on Sunday, the top 18 stations that logged "dangerous" heat index values include;
Dagupan City, Pangasinan (47°C, 2 p.m.)
Sangley Point, Cavite (47°C, 2 p.m.)
Ambulong, Batangas (44°C, 2 p.m.)
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (44°C, 2 p.m.)
Central Luzon State University Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (43°C, 2 p.m.)
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (43°C, 2 p.m.)
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Pasay City (43°C, 1 p.m.)
Casiguran, Aurora (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Clark Airport, Pampanga (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Davao City, Davao del Sur (42°C, 2 p.m.)
El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Masbate City, Masbate (42°C, 1 p.m.)
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (41°C, 2 p.m.)
Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City (41°C, 11 a.m.)
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (41°C, 11 a.m.)
Tayabas City, Quezon (41°C, 2 p.m.)
A heat index above 40℃ is considered "dangerous" due to the high likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
So far, the highest heat index in 2021 was registered in Dagupan City, Pangasinan at 53℃ on May 14.
Meanwhile, PAGASA weather specialist Chris Perez said the heavy rains and strong winds that were felt in some parts of the country on Sunday afternoon were due to localized thunderstorms.
Severe thunderstorms are often associated with bursts of heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, and gusty winds that usually last up to two hours.
Perez said warm and humid weather will still prevail across most parts of the country on Monday, May 24.
He advised the public to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially from late morning to early afternoon.
Stay hydrated and bring protection against the hot weather, he also said.