The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Echague in Isabela and Roxas City in Capiz registered the highest heat index in the country on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
The heat index in these areas reached 44 degrees Celsius (°C), which PAGASA classifies under the “danger” category.
Heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C are considered dangerous.
At this level, individuals may be at risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke.
Aside from Echague and Roxas City, other areas recorded a heat index of 43°C, which include Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Cavite City, Cavite; Infanta, Quezon; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Dumangas, Iloilo.
Meanwhile, Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Calayan, Cagayan; Aparri, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Iba, Zambales; Olongapo City, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Tanauan, Batangas; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Cuyo, Palawan; Catarman, Northern Samar; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur all logged a heat index of 42°C.
The heat index, or “apparent temperature,” combines the actual air temperature with relative humidity to reflect how hot the environment feels to the human body.
READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/3/how-pagasa-s-heat-index-reports-help-you-prepare