Hottest heat index in PHL posted this week in Cabanatuan

The hottest "init factor" yet this year was posted this week, according to state weather forecasters.

PAGASA said that the init factor hit a record-breaking 52.3°C in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, on Tuesday, April 12—the hottest yet this year for the entire country.

The init factor, also called the "heat index" or "real feel", is an indication of the apparent temperature based on a combination of the actual temperature and humidity.

“Iba pa yung heat index, sinasama na ‘yung relative humidity. Ibig sabihin niyan, mararamdaman ng katawan natin kapag tayo ay nagbilad sa sikat araw. Mga 36 degrees celsius, hindi na tayo komportable eh paano pa kung nagbilad tayo sa araw,” PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said in an interview on Balitanghali.

While it is not an indication of actual temperature, the init factor is a useful tool for indicating the perceived temperature and for describing people's discomfort therefrom.

Actual normal body temperature is 37°C, and even just 38°C is already considered a high fever.

The record came as something of a surprise, as forecasters had initially thought the heat index to peak at 40°C.

PAGASA forecasts the heat index in the coming days to be "extreme".

The agency cautioned people to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. The bureau also stressed the importance of drinking water regularly. — TJD, GMA News