PAGASA warns of dangerous heat index levels in 14 areas

FOURTEEN areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to a danger-level heat index, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air.

A peak heat index of 45°C is forecast in Dumangas, Iloilo and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices:

San Ildefonso, Bulacan - 43°C

�Sangley Point, Cavite - 42°C

�Aborlan, Palawan - 44°C�Roxas City, Capiz - 42°C�Mamburao, Capiz - 42°C�Iloilo City, Iloilo - 43°C�La Granja, La Carlota,

Negros Occidental - 44°C�Catbalogan, Western Samar - 43°C

�VSU Baybay, Leyte - 42°C�Borongan, Eastern Samar - 44°C

�Guiuan, Eastern Samar - 42°C

�Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte - 43°C

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely under a danger-level heat index of 42°C to 51°C.

Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 41°C in Aparri, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City and Cuyo in Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Catarman. Northern Samar; Tacloban City, Leyte; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Davao City, Davao del Sur.

A heat index of 40°C is forecast over Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; ISU Echague, Isabela; Baler and Casiguran in Aurora; CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; TAU Camiling, Tarlac; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Romblon, Romblon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Siquijor, Siquijor; Mactan, Cebu; Maasin, Southern, Leyte; Surigao City, Surigao del Norte; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Batanes due to the frontal system.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail across the archipelago. (PNA)

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