'Danger level' heat index expected in 5 Luzon areas on March 7, 2025

Five areas in Luzon could reach the “danger level” of the heat index on Friday, PAGASA said in its forecast.

Based on its 5 p.m. March 6 bulletin, the state weather bureau said a heat index of 42°C is expected in the following areas:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• Iba, Zambales
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Cuyo, Palawan  

The heat index measures how hot it feels to the human body, factoring in humidity along with the actual air temperature.

A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is under the “danger” category, which poses health risks such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Meanwhile, NAIA Pasay City will see a heat index of 40°C, while Science Garden Quezon City will experience 39°C on Friday.

A heat index from 33°C to 41°C is under the “extreme caution” category, where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, and continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.

On Thursday, Dagupan, Pangasinan experienced a 45°C temperature while Iba, Zambales; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Cuyo, Palawan encountered a 42°C temperature.

PAGASA earlier explained that extreme temperatures hitting the country this time of year are fairly normal as the country starts to transition from rainy to dry season.

It added that the Northeast Monsoon or “Amihan” may last until mid-March, prompting the shift to the warm and dry season. — Mariel Celine Serquiña