Legazpi City logs 50°C heat index
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 13) — The heat index in Legazpi City in Albay, Bicol on Friday reached 50°C, the highest temperature recorded so far in the country this year, according to the state weather bureau.
This was followed by the 46°C registered in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Meanwhile, Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte; Iba, Zambales; Roxas City, Capiz; and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro logged a heat index of 44°C.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Guiuan, Eastern Samar previously marked the highest heat index with 49°C last April 16.
PAGASA classified temperatures from 42°C to 51°C in the "danger" level — which may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion in some people, and heat stroke if heat exposure continues.
The heat index "is a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body's ability to cool itself," according to PAGASA.
