39 areas to be under ‘danger’ heat index

The Philippines is bracing for another day of extreme heat, with the state weather bureau PAGASA forecasting that 39 areas will experience a "danger" level heat index on Sunday, May 31. These regions could see temperatures ranging from a scorching 42°C to a perilous 45°C.

This forecast comes despite the anticipated arrival of rains from Typhoon Domeng and the ongoing southwest monsoon, indicating the pervasive nature of the heatwave. The situation is particularly critical in Borongan, Eastern Samar, which recorded an alarming 52°C heat index on Saturday, May 30. For Sunday, Borongan and CBSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur are projected to reach up to 45°C.

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Even with rains expected from Typhoon Domeng and the southwest monsoon, 39 areas may still experience dangerous heat levels on Sunday, May 31.

PAGASA's latest bulletin lists numerous locations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao under the danger classification. These include various sites in Metro Manila like Science Garden and NAIA, as well as Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Batanes, Pampanga, Olongapo City, Batangas, Quezon, Laguna, Mindoro, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, and Leyte. Other areas facing extreme heat include Ilocos Sur, La Union, Isabela, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Masbate, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Cavite, and Catanduanes.

Residents are advised to take precautions against the intense heat. The high temperatures pose significant health risks, including heatstroke and dehydration. The persistent heat underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the country during the dry season, even with the onset of the rainy season.

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On Saturday, May 30, Borongan, Eastern Samar recorded a heat index of 52°C.