Rains due to tropical storm "Dante" resulted in lower heat index values in some areas on Wednesday, June 2.
Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed that Dagupan City in Pangasinan registered the day's highest heat index at 46 degrees Celsius (°C).
Its heat index is lower than the 51°C registered on Tuesday, June 1, however, it is still within the "dangerous" level between 41℃ and 54℃ due to the high likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Monitoring stations in Metro Manila also documented lower heat index values with 35°C at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City and 34°C in Port Area, Manila from 46°C and 41°C, respectively, on Tuesday.
Fewer stations also registered above 40°C heat index on Wednesday. These were in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (46°C, 2 p.m.); Aparri, Cagayan (45°C, 2 p.m.); Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (43°C, 2 p.m.); Itbayat, Batanes (43°C, 2 p.m.); Sinait, Ilocos Sur (43°C, 2 p.m.); Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (42°C, 2 p.m.); Iba, Zambales (42°C, 11 a.m.); and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (41°C, 2 p.m.).
The highest heat index so far in 2021 was 53℃, which was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on May 14.
PAGASA defines "heat index" as a "human discomfort index" that gives the "apparent" temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affects their body.
It is at least 3°C to 4°C higher than the actual air temperature but PAGASA said that full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8°C.
In the next 24 hours, tropical storm "Dante" (international name "Choi-wan") will likely bring more rains over the country.
Stormy weather is expected in Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, and Oriental Mindoro, and Occidental Mindoro.
Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, and the rest of Central Luzon will also have rains with gusty winds, while Bicol Region, Central and Western Visayas, and the provinces of Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, and Palawan will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms.
The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.