MANILA — At least 14 areas in the Philippines are set to experience hazardous heat conditions, as reported Saturday by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
The agency explained that the heat index measures the “feels-like” temperature, factoring in both air temperature and humidity.
Dumangas in Iloilo and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte are projected to register the highest heat index at 45°C.
Other areas expected to fall under the danger category include San Ildefonso, Bulacan (43°C); Sangley Point, Cavite (42°C); Aborlan, Palawan (44°C); Roxas City, Capiz (42°C); Mamburao (42°C); Iloilo City (43°C); La Carlota City, Negros Occidental (44°C); Catbalogan, Western Samar (43°C); Baybay City, Leyte (42°C); Borongan (44°C) and Guiuan (42°C) in Eastern Samar; and Cotabato City (43°C).
According to PAGASA, heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 51°C pose serious health risks, including heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
In addition, several areas may experience heat indices of up to 41°C, such as Aparri, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Zamboanga City, and Davao City, among others.
Meanwhile, places including Dagupan, Tuguegarao, parts of Isabela, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Batangas, Romblon, Camarines Norte, Siquijor, Cebu, Southern Leyte, and Surigao are forecast to reach 40°C.
Batanes, however, will see cloudy conditions with scattered rain showers due to a frontal system. Elsewhere, the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms caused by easterlies.
Winds across the archipelago will remain light to moderate, with generally slight to moderate seas.
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