The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of scorching temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

“Asahan natin kasi nararanasan na natin ang mas mainit na heat index… nasa bungad palang tayo ng tag init o dry season,” Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., Chief Meteorologist at the PAGASA Dagupan Station, said.

According to PAGASA's monitoring, Dagupan City recorded the highest heat index of 47 degrees Celsius on March 27, 2024.

Estrada explained that the city often experiences such high heat indexes because it’s near the coast, the city lacks significant vegetation, and most roads are concrete.

“Yung hangin kasi sa dagat [ay] nagbibigay ng mas maalinsangan [na] panahon sa Pangasinan,” Estrada said.

Despite the sweltering conditions, there have been no reported cases of heatstroke in Pangasinan, as of this writing.

“Wala pa tayong naitatala [na heatstroke case], though intensified ang surveillance natin, wala pa namang naitatala sa mga hospitals natin,” Dr. Anna Marie de Guzman, Pangasinan Provincial Health Officer, said.

To mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses, authorities advise the public to avoid exposure to the sun's intense rays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and to wear lightweight, breathable clothing.