MANILA, Philippines — The town of Catarman in Northern Samar logged a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
PAGASA said the temperature in Catarman reached 31.2 degrees Celsius at 1 p.m. of the same day as relative humidity was recorded at 90 percent.
Data from the state weather agency showed the highest heat index recorded from March 1 to April 1 was in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro at 47 degrees Celsius on March 25.
Other areas that logged a high heat index were Butuan in Agusan del Norte with 47 degrees Celsius on March 24 followed by Roxas City in Capiz with 43 degrees Celsius on March 30 and Maasin in Southern Leyte with 43 degrees Celsius on March 25.
PAGASA said aside from Catarman, other areas with high heat index on Saturday were Dagupan, Pangasinan; Legazpi, Albay, and Malaybalay, Bukidnon, which all logged 41 degrees Celsius, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay with 40 degrees Celsius.
PAGASA has warned that the heat index this month could reach over 50 degrees Celsius.
Weather forecasters define heat index as the level of heat or discomfort that a person experiences due to the combined effects of temperature and humidity.
The public has been advised to limit outdoor exposure, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda and liquor.