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MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Dagupan, Pangasinan is forecast to peak at a sweltering 42 degrees Celsius (°C) on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Pagasa explained that a heat index of 42°C to 51°C falls under the “danger” category, which would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Meanwhile, heat stroke is probable with continued heat or sun exposure, it added.
READ: High heat index prompts face-to-face class suspensions on Tuesday, March 4
Pagasa also forecasts a heat index of 33°C to 41°C in the following areas on Wednesday, which are classified under the “extreme caution” category:
National Capital Region
- Quezon City – 39°C (monitored through the Science Garden station)
- Pasay City – 40°C (monitored through the NAIA station)
Ilocos Region
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 37°C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 39°C
- MMSU in Batac, Ilocos Norte – 39°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 39°C
- Calayan, Cagayan – 35°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 38°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 39°C
- NVSU in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – 36°C
- ISU in Echague, Isabela – 40°C
Central Luzon
- Baler, Aurora – 35°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 35°C
- Iba, Zambales – 41°C
- Clark Airport, Pampanga – 39°C
- CLSU in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 38°C
- Abucay, Bataan – 37°C
- Cubi Pt. in Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 41°C
- San Ildelfonso, Bulacan – 39°C
Calabarzon
- Tayabas City, Quezon – 35°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 40°C
- Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas – 39°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 37°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 37°C
- Mulanay, Quezon – 36°C
Mimaropa
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 41°C
- Coron, Palawan – 36°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro -37°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 39°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 39°C
Bicol Region
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 37°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 33°C
- Virac, Catanduanes – 34°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 38°C
- CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur – 33°C
Western Visayas
- Roxas City, Capiz – 36°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 39°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 36°C
Negros Island Region
- Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental – 38°C
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 36°C
Central Visayas
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol – 34°C
- Mactan International Airport, Cebu – 35°C
Eastern Visayas
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 33°C
- Catbalogan, Western Samar – 34°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 34°C
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 37°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 34°C
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 37°C
Zamboanga Peninsula
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 38°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 36°C
Northern Mindanao
- Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental – 36°C
- Malaybalay, Bukidnon – 34°C
- CMU Agromet in Musuan, Bukidnon – 36°C
Davao Region
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 38°C
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 41°C
Soccsksargen
- General Santos City, South Cotabato – 38°C
Caraga Region
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 33°C
- Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur – 35°C
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 38°C
The state weather bureau previously defined the heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes [to] abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
READ: DOH warns vs heat-related illnesses amid high heat index
As the heat index continues to rise across the country, the Department of Health (DOH) has urged the public to stay hydrated and minimize outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
The DOH also recommended wearing loose, lightweight clothing to stay cool amid the scorching heat.
“We can prevent heat-related illnesses. Check Pagasa’s heat index updates and take extra precautions, especially when it reaches 33°C,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in an advisory on Monday.