18 PH areas to face dangerous heat index up to 50C

Eighteen areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures on Wednesday, April 16, with heat index values ranging from 42°C to 50°C.

Los Baños, Laguna is forecast to experience the highest heat index at 50°C, the same extreme heat index recorded there on April 15.

This heat index falls under the "dangerous" category (42°C to 51°C), where continued exposure can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Other areas under the "danger" classification include San Ildefonso, Bulacan (47°C); Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City, Sangley Point, Cavite City, and Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (44°C); and Echague, Isabela, Baler, Aurora, and Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C).

Additionally, NAIA in Pasay City, Tuguegarao City, Iba in Zambales, Clark Airport in Pampanga, Coron in Palawan, San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, CBSUA Pili in Camarines Sur, Roxas City, Iloilo City, and La Granja in La Carlota, Negros Occidental are expected to reach 42°C.

PAGASA attributes the extreme heat to hot and humid easterly winds replacing a previous frontal system, leading to clear skies and higher afternoon temperatures nationwide.