The highest heat index so far in 2022 was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan at a sizzling 51 degrees Celsius (°C), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday, March 12.
“Sa nakalipas po na dalawang linggo, pinakamainit pa rin po ang naitala sa Dagupan City noong March 6, 2022 (In the past two weeks, the hottest was still recorded in Dagupan City on March 6, 2022),” said PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina in a public weather forecast.
According to PAGASA, heat index or “human discomfort index” is the “apparent” temperature that humans perceive.
A heat index of 52°C and above is extremely dangerous, while heat indices between 42°C and 51°C is under what PAGASA considers as “danger” level due to the high likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
“Mag-ingat po lalo na’t inaasahan natin na sa mga susunod na araw ay posible na pong magsimula ang panahon ng tag-init. Asahan po natin na magiging mainit ang panahon kaya ibayong pag-iingat pa rin po ang kinakailangan para makaiwas tayo sa heat stroke (Be especially careful as in the next few days it is possible for the dry season in the country to begin. We can expect warm and humid weather so we need to be extra careful to avoid heat stroke),” Badrina reiterated.
As of March 11, the State weather bureau disclosed that the so far highest heat indices in 2022 were recorded in the following PAGASA stations: Dagupan City, Pangasinan (51°C, March 6); Catbalogan, Western Samar (46°C, March 10); Central Luzon State University Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (45°C, March 8); Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (43°C, March 11); and Cotabato City, Maguindanao (43°C, March 11).