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MANILA, Philippines — A peak heat index of 50ºC was recorded in Los Baños, Laguna on Tuesday, said the state weather bureau.
Based on the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) latest computed heat index forecast as of 5 p.m., the high heat index belonging in the “danger category” was recorded at the National Agrometeorological Station – University of the Philippines Los Baños (NAS-UPLB), Los Baños, Laguna.
Due to this, the local government of Los Baños declared to suspend in-person classes on Wednesday, April 16, advising schools to shift to modular or online classes.
Other areas recorded dangerous heat indices
Meanwhile, 16 other areas recorded similar level head indices on Tuesday, including San Ildefonso, Bulacan which logged a peak index of 48ºC.
READ: Weather Today | Latest News & PAGASA Forecasts
Heat index refers to the “measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
Pagasa automatically tags indices ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC as “danger category” due to increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
Below is the list of areas that record a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:
- NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna – 50ºC
- San Ildefonso, Bulacan – 48ºC
- Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City – 44ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite City – 44ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 44ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 42ºC
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 42ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 42ºC