Dagupan heat index hits 54.39°C

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — This city sizzled yesterday as it recorded a heat index of 54.39 degrees Celsius.

Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) said the heat index, which was recorded at around 2 p.m., was at extreme danger category.

The heat index is the temperature as felt by the human body. It is considered dangerous between 41 to 54 degrees.

The highest temperature recorded in the city yesterday was 36.4 degrees Celsius with humidity of 68 percent.

The chance for a heat stroke is high, the Pangasinan DRRMO warned the public.

It said high air temperature and relative humidity give high apparent temperature and indices.

PAGASA said full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by eight degrees Celsius.

It advised the public to keep hydrated, stay indoors as much as possible and wear lightweight clothing.