Heat index may rise to dangerous levels in 25 areas on May 26
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said heat indices could reach up to 46 degrees Celsius (°C) on Monday, May 26, placing 25 areas under potentially “dangerous” conditions.
Dagupan City, Pangasinan may register the highest heat index at 46°C, followed by Aparri, Cagayan at 45°C.
Meanwhile, five areas may record a heat index of 44°C: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Masbate City, Masbate; and Pili, Camarines Sur.
An additional nine areas may experience a 43°C heat index. These are Batac, Ilocos Norte; Bacnotan, La Union; Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; Olongapo City, Zambales; Camiling, Tarlac; Infanta, Quezon; Iloilo City, Iloilo; and Dumangas, Iloilo.
Another nine areas may record a heat index of 42°C, which includes Pasay City and Quezon City in Metro Manila; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Casiguran, Aurora; Iba, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Alabat, Quezon; Catbalogan, Western Samar; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
PAGASA classifies heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as dangerous, due to an increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
The agency also warned that prolonged exposure to such conditions may lead to heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.