An adult man walks along Plaza Magsaysay in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, at around 8:46 a.m., while intense sunlight began to bear down on the city on Wednesday, August. Dipolog City recorded 42 degree celsius according to state weather bureau (PAGASA).
Photographed by Sean Magbanua for the Daily Tribune
Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte recorded a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, placing the area under the danger level, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.
As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, the PAGASA Mindanao Regional Services Division’s Computed Heat Index Monitoring recorded a heat index of 42°C in Dipolog City. The heat index is forecast to reach 43°C on Thursday, 13 August and Friday, 14 August.
According to PAGASA, a heat index of 42°C to 51°C falls under the danger level. At this level, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, while prolonged exposure may result in heat stroke.
Other areas in Mindanao also recorded heat indices at the danger level.
Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental recorded 42°C, while Butuan City in Agusan del Norte reached 44°C.
Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur posted the highest heat index in Mindanao on Wednesday at 46°C.
Meanwhile, areas with heat indices of 41°C and below remained under the extreme caution level. These included Zamboanga City at 41°C; Davao City and Cotabato City at 40°C; General Santos City at 38°C; and Malaybalay City at 36°C.
PAGASA warned that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible even under the extreme caution level, particularly during prolonged physical activity or exposure. Continued exposure to high temperatures may also lead to heat stroke.
