Dagupan City records 51°C heat index, highest this year

Dagupan City in Pangasinan recorded the country's highest heat index this 2021, with 51 °C , state weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday.

In a tweet from DZBB, the highest heat index was registered on Saturday at around 2 p.m.

On May 6, PAGASA said the highest heat index was also recorded in Dagupan at 49 °C last April 6; followed by Sangley Point in Cavite with 48 °C on March 18; Port Area with 48 °C on March 19; Infanta, Quezon with 48 °C on March 2; and Ambulong, Batangas with 46 °C on April 1.

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region is expected to "sizzle" with a maximum temperature of 34 °C this Sunday.

In other Luzon areas, warm temperatures will also be experienced this Sunday.

Maximum temperature will reach 37 °C in Tuguegarao; 33 °C in Kalayaan Islands and 33 °C in Puerto Princesa.

Elsewhere, maximum temperature in Tagaytay is expected to reach 32 °C while Legazpi will record a maximum temperature of 32 °C.

For Visayas areas, Iloilo will experience a warm temperature of 33 °C; Cebu will record 33 °C while the highest temperature in Tacloban will reach 31 °C.

According to a 4 a.m. weather update, PAGASA said the whole of Luzon will experience hot weather, especially on Sunday afternoon.

In a post, PAGASA defines heat index as "human discomfort index" that provides apparent temperature or what humans feel as the temperature affects their body.

A heat index ranging from 41 °C to 54 °C could lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. For areas with temperatures of 32 °C  to 41 °C, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.

PAGASA advised the public to follow these tips during hot weather conditions:

• Stay indoors as much as possible, if air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine
• Wear lightweight and light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals however eat more often. Avoid eating foods high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.

—LBG, GMA News