4 Luzon areas experience scorching weather with over 41°C heat index

The computed heat index values in four areas in Luzon ranged from 42 to 48 degrees Celsius (°C) on Wednesday, March 23, amid the prevalence of the warm easterlies originating from the Pacific Ocean.
Based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the four stations that logged the highest heat index values are:
* Dagupan City, Pangasinan (48°C, 2 p.m.)
* Sangley Point, Cavite (44°C, 2 a.m.)
* Virac, Catanduanes (43°C, 11 a.m.)
* Baler, Aurora (42°C, 11 a.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.”
So far, Dagupan City registered the highest heat index in 2022 at 53℃ on March 17.
If the heat index is over 52°C, PAGASA said there is “extreme danger” as “heatstroke is imminent.”
Heat index or apparent temperature differs from air temperature as it is the measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.
Heat index is at least 3 degrees Celsius (°C) to 4°C higher than the actual air temperature.
However, PAGASA said that full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8 degrees Celsius.
From March to May, PAGASA provides heat index monitoring and forecast information that can be viewed on their website.