22 areas may experience 'danger' level heat index on May 14
As intense heat continues to affect parts of the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that 22 areas may experience heat index levels classified under the “danger” category on Wednesday, May 14.
Based on PAGASA’s latest forecast, five areas may record the highest heat index of 44°C. These are Cavite City, Cavite; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Pili, Camarines Sur; Roxas City, Capiz; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Six other areas, Coron, Palawan; Masbate City, Masbate; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumangas, Iloilo; Tacloban City, Leyte; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, may register a heat index of 43°C.
Meanwhile, 11 areas may register a heat index of 42°C. These are Pasay City, Metro Manila; Quezon City, Metro Manila; Bacnotan, La Union; Olongapo City, Zambales; Tanauan, Batangas; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Siquijor, Siquijor; Catarman, Northern Samar; Baybay, Leyte; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
PAGASA classifies heat index values between 42°C and 51°C as “dangerous” due to the increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
It added that prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable individuals.