Cotabato City records ‘danger’ level heat index on April 12

Cotabato City in Maguindanao del Norte was the only area in the country to record a danger-level heat index, or between 42°C and 51°C, on Sunday, April 12, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Based on its monitoring, the heat index in Cotabato City reached 42°C. It is also the only area forecast to experience a danger-level heat index on Monday, likewise at 42°C.

Meanwhile, several areas fell under the “extreme caution” category, or 33°C to 41°C, including:

• Tanay, Rizal – 31°C
• CMU Agromet Station, Musuan, Bukidnon – 32°C

Other areas recorded heat index levels classified as “not hazardous,” or below 27°C:

• Baguio City, Benguet – 26°C
• Benguet State University, La Trinidad – 25°C
• Benguet Radar Station, Tuba – 21°C

The heat index reflects how hot it feels to the human body, taking into account air temperature and relative humidity. High humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, making it harder for the body to cool itself.—MCG, GMA News