PAGASA warns heat index may hit 44°C in parts of PH this weekend

PAGASA warns that parts of the Philippines may experience heat indices as high as 41 degrees Celsius this weekend due to warm Pacific winds.

Dagupan City in Pangasinan reached a dangerous heat index of 44°C on Sunday, March 9, while Virac (Synop) hit 43°C. Tacloban and Iba are forecasted to see indices between 40-41°C.

Other areas including San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Cuyo, Palawan; and Iloilo City may experience heat indexes ranging from 40 to 41°C over the weekend.

PAGASA explains that the heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to estimate how hot it feels to humans. A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered dangerous, with risks of heat cramps, exhaustion, and potential heatstroke.

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution as a heat index from 33°C to 41°C can cause heat cramps and exhaustion, leading to possible heat stroke if activity continues.

Fifty-eight of PAGASA's weather stations across the country forecast heat indexes between 33 and 41°C, which are in the 'extreme caution' category.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City is projected to have a temperature of 36°C, while Quezon City’s Science Garden will see a temperature of 34°C.