Over 40 areas recorded ‘dangerous’ heat index on June 12

Most of the country experienced intense heat on Wednesday, June 12, with 43 areas recording a “dangerous” heat index—ranging from 42 degrees Celsius (°C) to 48°C, based on the data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

A heat index is classified as dangerous because people are more likely to experience heat-related illnesses such as cramps and exhaustion, and there is a higher chance of heat stroke with continued activity.

PAGASA observed the highest heat index of the day at 48°C in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte and Virac, Catanduanes.

Meanwhile, it reached 47°C in Aparri, Cagayan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Cuyo, Palawan; Catarman, Northern Samar; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Maasin, Southern Leyte.

Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Echague, Isabela; Casiguran, Aurora; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte experienced a heat index of 46°C, while it reached 45°C in Pasay City, Metro Manila; Calayan, Cagayan; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Sangley Point, Cavite; Legazpi City, Albay; Masbate City, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz; and Iloilo City, Iloilo.

The heat index was recorded at 44°C in Baler, Aurora; Alabat, Quezon; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Dumangas, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Samar; and Borongan, Eastern Samar.

It reached 43°C in Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Bacnotan, La Union; Itbayat, Batanes; Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City; and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte, while it was registered at 42°C in Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila; Clark Airport, Pampanga; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Daet, Camarines Norte; Juban, Sorsogon; La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Siquijor, Siquijor; and Tacloban City, Leyte.

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.”