The heat index hit the "dangerous" level in 15 locations on Tuesday, April 16, with Aborlan town in Palawan province recording the highest heat index of the day at 46 degrees Celsius (°C), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA said a heat index ranging from 42 to 51°C indicates imminent "danger," as "heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely," and "heat stroke is probable with continued activity."
Other areas that had dangerous heat index on Tuesday were Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (44°C); Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (44°C); Dagupan City; Pangasinan (43°C); Bacnotan, La Union (43°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (43°C); Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C); Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C); Tacloban City, Iloilo (43°C); Aparri, Cagayan (42°C); Casiguran, Aurora (42°C); Sangley Point, Cavite (42°C); Virac, Catanduanes (42°C); Central Bicol State University of Agriculture station in Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C); and Catarman, Northern Samar (42°C).
PAGASA defines the heat index as the measurement of how hot it feels when relative humidity is combined with the actual air temperature.
It recorded the country’s highest heat index so far this year of 48°C in Roxas City, Capiz, on March 27.