ZAMBALES, Philippines — Zambales province reached a heat index of 53 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest recorded in the area this year and categorized under "extreme danger" levels. The significant spike in temperature comes after four consecutive days of recording heat indices between 42 and 43 degrees Celsius, according to measurements taken at the Iba station by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
According to Philippines News Agency, the "extreme danger" level represents conditions that pose severe health risks due to the intense heat and high humidity. The heat index, also known as the "feels-like" temperature, incorporates both air temperature and relative humidity, indicating the perceived temperature by the human body.
In contrast to Zambales, other regions also experienced high heat indices, albeit slightly lower. Subic Bay in Olongapo, Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, and Dagupan in Pangasinan reported a heat index of 47 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, Quezon City and Pasay City recorded a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius.
PAGASA forecasts a slight decrease in the heat index for Zambales, anticipating values around 42 to 43 degrees Celsius for the upcoming Monday and Tuesday. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.
In the north, Baguio City maintained a relatively cooler "caution" level heat index, averaging 28 degrees Celsius over the past five days.