The heat index reached dangerous levels in five areas on Thursday, March 30, based on the data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It reached 46 degrees Celsius (℃) in Catarman, Northern Samar; 43℃ in Roxas City, Capiz; 42℃ in Cotabato City, Maguindanao; 42℃ in Tacloban City, Leyte; and 42℃ in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.

PAGASA defines the heat index as the measurement of how hot it feels when the relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.

According to PAGASA, a heat index between 42℃ and 51℃ would be considered “dangerous,” as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.

It added that continued activity could lead to heat stroke.

PAGASA recorded this month’s highest heat index of 47℃ in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, on March 25.

In the next 24 hours, the entire archipelago will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy weather due to the easterlies or the warm air coming from the Pacific Ocean.