25 areas to hit danger heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Dangerously high heat indices ranging from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius are expected in 25 areas across the country today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Expected to record the highest heat index of 44 degrees Celsius are Ambulong in Tanauan City, Batangas and Infanta in Quezon.

Areas projected to reach 43 degrees Celsius include Pasay City, Echague in Isabela, Subic in Olongapo City, San Ildefonso in Bulacan, Tayabas in Quezon, Puerto Princesa and Cuyo in Palawan, Iloilo City, Dumangas in Iloilo, Catarman in Northern Samar and Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur.

Meanwhile, a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius is expected in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Sangley Point in Cavite City, Coron in Palawan, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Roxas City and Mambusao in Capiz, La Carlota in Negros Occidental, Catbalogan in Western Samar, Tacloban City in Leyte and Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte.

According to PAGASA, heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius falls under the “danger” category, indicating an increased likelihood of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure to these conditions may lead to heat stroke, particularly for individuals engaged in strenuous outdoor activities.

Authorities strongly advise the public to take precautions, including minimizing time spent outdoors, wearing light and breathable clothing and drinking plenty of water. Authorities also reiterate the importance of avoiding direct sunlight and monitoring signs of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Meanwhile, the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, continue to affect the eastern sections of the country, particularly Mindanao.

This weather system is expected to bring cloudy skies with high chances of rain, lightning and thunderstorms in the eastern part of Mindanao, prompting warnings of possible flooding and landslides.

Elsewhere across the country, hot and humid weather will persist, especially during the afternoon. While most areas will remain dry, isolated thunderstorms are still possible, mainly over the eastern and western sections of Mindanao.

No typhoons or low-pressure areas are currently being monitored within or near the Philippine area of responsibility, PAGASA said.

In Luzon and Metro Manila, cloudy skies are expected to prevail, with continued warm and humid conditions.

The forecast temperature range in Metro Manila is from 25 to 36 degrees Celsius, while Baguio City will experience cooler conditions at 17 to 26 degrees Celsius. Maximum temperatures in Laoag, Tagaytay and Legazpi may reach up to 33 degrees Celsius, while Tuguegarao’s is forecast to reach as high as 37 degrees Celsius.

In the Visayas and Mindanao, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental will likely see cloudy skies and scattered rainshowers with lightning due to the prevailing easterlies.

Other areas in the Visayas, Palawan and parts of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to sunny skies with chances of isolated afternoon rains. Temperatures in Cebu and Tacloban are forecast to range between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, maximum temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius are expected in Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, the Calayaan Islands, Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, and 35 degrees Celsius in Davao.