The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said an “extremely dangerous” heat index was recorded in Iba, Zambales on Sunday, April 28.
PAGASA said a heat index of 53°C was felt in Iba, Zambales, the highest heat index recorded in the country since 2024 began.
It warned the public that heat stroke is “imminent” in areas with heat indices of 52°C and above.
PAGASA also recorded a “dangerous” heat index of 49°C in the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) station in Pili, Camarines Sur, the second highest heat index recorded following the 53°C.
Meanwhile, a heat index of 47°C was felt in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; and Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo.
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Aparri, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Infanta, Quezon; Coron, Palawan; and Aborlan, Palawan had a heat index of 46°C.
In Bacnotan, La Union; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Isabela State University (ISU) in Echague, Isabela; Clark Airport, Pampanga; Casiguran, Aurora; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Virac, Catanduanes; and Dumangas, Iloilo, a heat index of 45°C was recorded.
A heat index of 44°C was also felt in Sangley Point, Cavite; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Daet, Camarines Norte; Legazpi City, Albay; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Iloilo; and Iloilo City, Iloilo.
In Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City; PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Tayabas City, Quezon; Alabat, Quezon; Romblon, Romblon; Catarman, Northern Samar; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Butuan City, Davao del Norte, a heat index of 43°C was recorded.
Mulanay, Quezon; Masbate City, Masbate; La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Tacloban City, Leyte; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Davao City, Davao del Sur; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao experienced heat index of 42°C.
PAGASA said heat indices ranging from 42-51°C are considered “dangerous,” which means heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with prolonged heat exposure.