Occidental Mindoro town scorches with 53°C heat index

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 24) — The heat index in San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro reached an "extremely dangerous" 53°C noon of Wednesday, the highest the country has seen so far this year, according to the state weather bureau.

The previous high was 50°C recorded on May 13 in Legazpi, Albay — which reached a similar heat index on Wednesday.

Virac in Catanduanes, Aparri in Cagayan, and Butuan City in Agusan Del Norte registered a heat index of 49°C.

The heat index is defined as the temperature that the human body feels when relative humidity is combined with the actual air temperature.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) categorized temperatures of 52°C and above in the "extreme danger" level, which signifies that heat stroke is imminent.

Temperatures from 42°C to 51°C are classified as "dangerous," which PAGASA said may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion in some people, and heat stroke if heat exposure continues.

EXPLAINER: What is the heat index?