Heat index in Barangay Ungka, Jaro District in Iloilo City reached 43 degrees Celsius (43°C) by noontime on Monday, April 14, 2025, according to the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO).

Earlier, based on PAGASA forecast, the heat index in Iloilo City was expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius (42°C).

The sweltering heat gave way to quick sales of refreshing drinks such "buko" (coconut) juice along C1 Road in Barangay Buhang, Jaro that does not seemingly run out of customers.

“Ang sarap lang, malamig pag naka-inom ka ng cold,” according to Richard Polana, tricycle driver.

On the other hand, a hailstorm was recorded in Barangay Igcabugao, Igbaras town, Province of Iloilo at about 3 p.m. on April 12, 2025.

“Ang ice particle na ito, nabubuo ito once ang evaporation at ang condensation natin mas malakas. Due to instability sa ating atmosphere, once na ang tubig umaakyat sa ibabaw ng langit (himpapawid), nabubuo syang ice,” according to PAGASA Iloilo weather specialist, Engr. Ferdinand Rubin, Jr.

Rubin advised the public from using the ice particles for human consumption.

“Hindi ito pure ice na nilalagay natin sa ref. So may posibilidad na may halo itong dumi sa taas,” Rubin said. 

Meanwhile, a few residents were reported to have suffered  from the scorching heat made worse by a 12-hour power outage due to maintenance activity conducted by the power distributor.

“Sobra talaga ang init. Lalo na ngayong brownout, sobra ang init,” Rowena Palma, a resident, said. 

(via GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Desk)