Borongan swelters in 52 Celsius heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Extreme danger heat index was recorded in Borongan, Eastern Samar at 52 degrees Celsius on Saturday, data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration showed.

The extreme label is the highest level in the heat index chart, starting from 52 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA warned that heat stroke is possible at this level.

Saturday’s record is the highest heat index recorded in the country this year and the first time a locality recorded a heat index at the extreme danger level.

According to the weather bureau, the localities that recorded 45 degrees on Saturday were Casiguran in Aurora, Infanta in Quezon and Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur.

Baler, Aurora and Cavite City followed at 44 degrees.