Virac sizzles with 44 degrees Celsius heat index

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Virac in Catanduanes have been reeling from discomfort after the heat index reached 44 degrees Celsius on Sunday and may even go higher in the coming days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said the heat index in Virac could increase to 46 degrees Celsius today, which is sligtly lower than the figure recorded on Saturday with 47 degrees Celsius.

The weather bureau said that heat indexes between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius are dangerous and could cause heat cramps and exhaustion as well as heat stroke.

Aside from Virac, the city of Dagupan in Pangasinan recorded a high heat index of 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday.