Despite the onset of the rainy season, extreme heat persisted in 50 areas across the country on Wednesday, May 31, based on the monitoring of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA classifies a heat index within the danger level if it ranges from 42 degrees Celsius (°C) to 51°C.
This indicates a higher likelihood of heat-related issues, such as cramps and exhaustion, and an increased risk of heat stroke with continued activity.
The highest heat index of the day, recorded by PAGASA, was 48°C in Aparri, Cagayan.
A 47°C heat index was experienced in Roxas City, Capiz; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Meanwhile, it reached 46°C in Bacnotan, La Union; Alabat, Quezon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Virac, Catanduanes; Iloilo City, Iloilo; and Tacloban City, Leyte.
The heat index also reached 45°C in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; NAIA, Pasay City; Calayan, Cagayan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU, Echague, Isabela; Iba, Zambales; Sangley Point, Cavite; Coron, Palawan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Legazpi City, Albay; Mambusao, Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Samar; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.
PAGASA said a 44°C heat index was registered in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte; Basco, Batanes; CLSU, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Casiguran, Aurora; Masbate City; Masbate; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
Moreover, a heat index of 43°C was felt in Baler, Aurora; Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Juban, Sorsogon; Borongan, Eastern Samar; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.
Science Garden, Quezon City; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Tayabas City, Quezon; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Siquijor, Siquijor; VSU-Baybay, Leyte; Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao had a heat index of 42°C.
PAGASA recorded the highest heat index of the year so far, reaching 55°C in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on both May 26 and 28.
A heat index above 52°C indicates “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”