Four areas to feel ‘dangerous’ heat index on April 1

Metro Manila, Philippines - Four areas in the Philippines are expected to hit a “danger level” of heat index on Tuesday, April 1, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned.

Dagupan City in Pangasinan is seen to experience a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to PAGASA’s forecast published on March 31.

It would follow Dagupan’s “feels-like” temperature of 48 degrees Celsius on Monday, the highest so far this year.

State meteorologists forecasted Casiguran, Aurora, and Virac (Synop), Catanduanes would reach a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius, while it will reach 42 degrees Celsius in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte. These three areas also registered dangerous levels of heat index the previous day.

PAGASA said a “danger level” of heat index ranges from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius, which could lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continued exposure on such “init factor” levels may probably cause heat stroke.