Dangerous heat index expected in 38 areas on May 18 

Residents in 38 areas must take extra precautions from the scorching heat as dangerous heat levels may be experienced on Saturday, the state weather bureau PAGASA said. 

The following areas will experience up to 45°C heat index on May 18: 

45°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan 

Aparri, Cagayan 

Dumangas, Iloilo 

Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur 

44°C

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro 

Cuyo, Palawan 

Roxas City, Capiz

Iloilo City, Iloilo 

Catarman, Northern Samar

Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte 

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte 

43°C

NAIA, Pasay City

Bacnotan, La Union

Iba, Zambales

CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija 

Baler (Radar), Aurora 

Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas 

Alabat, Quezon 

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Catbalogan, Samar

42°C

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan 

ISU Echague, Isabela

Casiguran, Aurora 

Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City 

Sangley Point, Cavite

Infanta, Quezon 

Mulanay, Quezon 

Aborlan, Palawan

Daet, Camarines Norte

Legazpi City, Albay 

Masbate City, Masbate 

Juban, Sorsogon

CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur 

Guiuan, Eastern Samar 

CMU Agromet, Musuan, Bukidnon

Davao City, Davao del Sur

Cotabato City, Maguindanao

Meanwhile, Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet will continue to experience cooler weather with heat indexes of only 25°C and 26°C, respectively. 

On Friday, there were 35 areas that experienced dangerous heat levels. The highest heat index of 47°C was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Roxas City, Capiz; and Catarman, Northern Samar.

PAGASA warned that dangerous levels of heat index (42°C to 51°C) may cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is also probable with continued exposure to heat.

The Department of Health advised the public to limit time outdoors and to drink plenty of water instead of other drinks such as tea, coffee, soda, and liquor. Strenuous activities may be scheduled at the beginning or end of the day, when it is cooler.

PAGASA declared on March 22 the start of the dry season, which coincided with the El Niño phenomenon.

But state meteorologists said that rain will be more frequent in the days to come as the country moves into the wet season. 

The state weather bureau added that La Niña, which is associated with above-normal rainfall, may develop during the June-July-August season.  — Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News