40 areas under 'danger' heat index level on May 20 — PAGASA

At least 40 areas across the country are expected to experience “danger” level heat index on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Based on PAGASA’s five-day heat index forecast, the following areas may record heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 45°C:

45°C

• San Ildefonso, Bulacan

44°C

• ISU Echague, Isabela
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Juban, Sorsogon
• Catarman, Northern Samar

43°C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• DMMMSU Bacnotan, La Union
• Aparri, Cagayan
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
• Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac
• Tayabas City, Quezon
• Legazpi City, Albay
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar
• Maasin, Southern Leyte
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

42°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Iba, Zambales
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga
• TAU Camiling, Tarlac
• Coron, Palawan
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Cuyo, Palawan
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
• BU-Guinobatan, Albay
• BIA-Daraga, Albay
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Tacloban City, Leyte
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Davao City, Davao del Sur
• General Santos City, South Cotabato
• Surigao City, Surigao del Norte

Meanwhile, 34 areas are expected to experience “extreme caution” heat index levels ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

Tanay, Rizal is the only area forecast to experience “caution” heat index level at 32°C.

The following areas are expected to record “not hazardous” heat index levels, or below 27°C:

• Baguio City, Benguet - 26°C
• BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet - 26°C
• Benguet Radar, Tuba, Benguet – 21°C

The heat index refers to the temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity is combined with actual air temperature. High humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, making it more difficult for the body to cool down.

PAGASA advised the public to limit their time outside, and use umbrellas or caps when outdoors. The state weather bureau also recommended drinking lots of water and avoiding intake of tea, coffee, and sodas. — BAP, GMA News