Published in its print edition on May 10 – 16, 2025
THE middle weeks of May has brought soaring heat indices, which climbed as high as 46 degrees Celsius (°C), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
During these days, at least 30 areas have been always flagged including Isabela and Cagayan for “dangerous” conditions.
The highest heat index has been reported in Aparri, Cagayan, at 46°C while Dagupan City, Pangasinan follows with a 45°C heat index.
Furthermore, a heat index of 44°C are commonly recorded in three areas, which include Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; and Olongapo City, Zambales while 13 additional areas has registered 43°C, including Batac, Ilocos Norte; Bacnotan, La Union; Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; Casiguran, Aurora; Camiling, Tarlac; Cavite City, Cavite; Tanauan, Batangas; Infanta, Quezon; Alabat, Quezon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Masbate City, Masbate; and Catarman, Northern Samar in the past days.
Even the metropolitan areas are not spared. Twelve other areas recorded a 42°C heat index: Pasay City, Metro Manila; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Iba, Zambales; Los Baños, Laguna; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Cuyo, Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Pili, Camarines Sur; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Catbalogan, Western Samar.
The category issued by PAGASA which sums up heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as dangerous is a preemptive measure to avoid increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Time and again, PAGASA has been warning that prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Take it from the weather experts.#
