'Dangerous' heat index may persist in 26 areas on June 1
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the heat index may continue to reach dangerous levels in 26 areas across the country on Sunday, June 1, despite the arrival of southwest monsoon (habagat) rains in western Luzon.
Two areas, Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, may record the highest heat index at 44°C.
Seven other areas, including Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Infanta, Quezon; Virac, Catanduanes; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, follow at 43°C.
Seventeen additional areas may record a heat index of 42°C: Aparri, Cagayan; Alabat, Quezon; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Coron, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Masbate City, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumangas, Iloilo; Siquijor, Siquijor; Catbalogan, Western Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Musuan, Bukidnon.
PAGASA classifies heat index values 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.