NATION

Scorching Easter: 25 areas hit “danger” heat index

Kimberly Anne Ojeda · Apr 19, 2025, 6:34 PM

Fair weather and cloudy skies were observed in Metro Manila, seen from Pasig City on Friday, 4 April 2025. Areas with temperatures between 33°C and 41°C fall under the “extreme caution” category. PAGASA said heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely risks under this heat index level. The weather bureau advises the public to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing to avoid heat-related illnesses. In Metro Manila, a heat index as high as 38°C is expected in NAIA, Pasay City, while Science Garden, Quezon City, could reach 40°C.

Twenty‑five areas across the Philippines are under the “danger” heat index category of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Easter Sunday.

Heat index is how hot it feels based on actual temperature and humidity. Under the “danger” classification, the heat index ranges from 41 °C to 51 °C. This level may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion and may lead to heat stroke under prolonged sun exposure.

Based on PAGASA’s two‑day heat index forecast, the highest recorded heat index is 44 °C in Ambolong, Tanauan, Batangas, and Alabat, Quezon.

Several areas followed with a 43 °C heat index, including:

43 °C:

NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila
ISU Echague, Isabela
NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
Cubi Pt, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
San Ildefonso, Bulacan
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Cuyo, Palawan
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Dumangas, Iloilo
Catarman, Northern Samar
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur

Meanwhile, the following areas recorded a 42 °C heat index:

Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Tayabas City, Quezon
Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite
Coron, Palawan
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Roxas City, Capiz
Mambusao, Capiz
La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
Catbalogan, Western Samar
Tacloban City, Leyte
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

To avoid heat‑related illness, PAGASA urged the public to limit time outdoors, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeinated, sugary, or alcoholic beverages, wear light and sleeved clothing, use umbrellas, and schedule strenuous activities during the cooler hours of the day.