The computed heat index value in Dagupan City, Pangasinan has reached 54 degrees Celsius (°C) at around 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to PAGASA, there is “extreme danger” if the heat index hits 52°C, as “heatstroke is imminent”
So far, this year’s highest heat index of 55°C was recorded in Dagupan City on May 1.
Meanwhile, seven other stations recorded between 42°C and 47°C heat index on Tuesday.
These were:
Virac, Catanduanes (47°C, 2 p.m.)
Sangley Pt., Cavite (44°C, 2 p.m.)
Baler, Aurora (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Catbalogan, Western Samar (42°C, 11 a.m.)
Daet, Camarines Norte (42°C, 11 a.m.)
Infanta, Quezon (42°C, 2 p.m.)
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (42°C, 2 p.m.)
With heat indices between 41°C and 51°C, PAGASA said there is impending “danger as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely,” while “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”
In the next 24 hours, PAGASA said the easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean will continue to bring hot and humid weather across most of Luzon and Visayas.
However, it still advised the public to stay vigilant during severe thunderstorms, which are often associated with bursts of heavy rainfall, lightning, thunder, and gusty winds that usually last up to two hours, as these may trigger flash floods or landslides.
Meanwhile, the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Palawan and Mindanao.
PAGASA warned against possible flash floods or landslides because of moderate to heavy rains brought by the ITCZ.