Sorsogon town sizzles with 50 degrees Celsius heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the threat of Typhoon Betty, the heat index in the town of Juban in Sorsogon hit 50 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the highest heat index in Juban was felt at 3 p.m.

Six other areas experienced “danger” heat index including Borongan in Eastern Samar with 43 degrees Celsius; Dagupan in Pangasinan and Iba in Zambales with 43 degrees, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City, Legazpi City in Albay and Sinait in Ilocos Sur with 42 degrees Celsius.

The state weather agency said that from March 1 to May 27, the highest heat index was recorded in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on May 24 with 52 degrees Celsius followed by Juban and Legazpi City with 50 degrees, and Virac in Catanduanes and Aparri in Cagayan with 49 degrees Celsius.

“Danger” heat index ranges from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius and may cause heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke with continued exposure.

Heat index ranging from 52 degrees Celsius and above is considered “extreme danger.”

PAGASA is expected to declare the onset of the rainy season within the next few days.

As this developed, the water level in Angat Dam dropped to 190.54 meters yesterday morning from 190.81 meters the other day.

Angat supplies more than 90 percent of Metro Manila’s potable water needs and irrigates 25,000 hectares of farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga.