Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Cagayan’s Aparri town are expected to face record-breaking high temperatures on Friday with a heat index of 47 °C, as per the state weather bureau. These levels are considered “dangerous” and could lead to heat-related illnesses.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) categorized heat index readings between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius as “danger.” Several other areas in the country are also forecasted to experience dangerously high heat indexes.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila is expected to have a heat index of 41 °C in Pasay City and 40 °C in Quezon City, falling under the “extreme caution” category. These levels could also cause heat-related illnesses such as cramps and exhaustion.
Pagasa declared the start of the summer season in March, attributing the intense heat to the effects of El Niño. The weather phenomenon is contributing to below-normal rainfall conditions in the country. Despite the heat, Pagasa forecasts the occurrence of one to two tropical cyclones in May.
The Filipino public is advised to take precautions to stay safe and cool during this period of intense heat.
