Heat index may remain at dangerous levels in parts of the Philippines on May 27
Twenty-six areas across the country may face dangerously high heat index levels on Tuesday, May 27, as heat indices may soar to 45 degrees Celsius(°C), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Dagupan City, Pangasinan may record the highest heat index at 45°C.
Aparri, Cagayan; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; and Cavite City, Cavite follow at 44°C.
Meanwhile, nine areas may record a heat index of 43°C: Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Clark, Pampanga; Camiling, Tarlac; Infanta, Quezon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Masbate City, Masbate; Iloilo City, Iloilo; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
An additional 13 areas may experience a 42°C heat index. These are Pasay City, Metro Manila; Bacnotan, La Union; Baler, Aurora; Iba, Zambales; Olongapo City, Zambales; Alabat, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; Dumangas, Iloilo; La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
PAGASA classifies heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as “dangerous,” due to an increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Prolonged exposure may also lead to heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.