Despite the start of the rainy season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported an "extreme danger" heat index level in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on Thursday, May 30.
The heat index in Guiuan was 53 degrees Celsius (°C) on Thursday, slightly lower than the highest heat index recorded this year of 55°C on May 26 and 28
READ: Guiuan, E. Samar hits highest heat index for second time
PAGASA said a heat index above 52°C indicates “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”
Meanwhile, the state weather bureau recorded a heat index of 48°C Roxas City, Capiz; 47°C in Catarman, Samar; and 46°C Aparri, Cagayan, and Masbate City, Masbate.
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Baler, Aurora; Sangley Point, Cavite; Infanta Quezon; Alabat Quezon; Mambusao, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Samar. had a 45°C heat index.
PAGASA added that 44°C NAIA, Pasay City; Dagupan Pangasinan; MMSU, Batac; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU, Echague; Iba, Zambales; Casiguran, Aurora; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Cuyo, Palawan; Daet, Camarines Sur; Dumangas, Iloilo; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte.
A 43°C heat index was also observed in Bacnotan, La Union; Tayabas, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Virac (Synop) Catanduanes; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines, Sur; Tacloban, Leyte; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur.
Science Garden, Quezon City; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Calaya, Cagayan; CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Cubi pt., Subic Bay; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Aborlan, Palawan; Juban, Sorgoson; Siquijor, Siquijor; VSU-Baybay, Leyte; and Dipolog, Zamboang Del Sur experienced a heat index of 42°C.
On Thursday, 45 areas have a heat index in the “danger” category.