The heat index in Iloilo may still go up in the coming days and weeks if historical data are to be considered.
Records from PAGASA in 2025 showed that the heat index in Iloilo was between 41 degrees celsius and 46 degrees celsius.
On March 27, 2026, Iloilo recorded a heat index of 39 degrees celsius, which fell under the extreme caution category. This means the heat could cause heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and even heat stroke.
Two days prior on March 25, the heat index in the coastal town of Dumangas spiked to danger levels at 44 degrees celsius, the hottest in the Philippines that day.
“Sa buwan ng Abril, medyo mataas pa ang ating heat index hanggang sa buwan ng Mayo. Kasi diyan ang pinaka-peak ng mainit na panahon,” said Charlie Depra, Weather Observer in PAGASA Iloilo.
Heat index is what air temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature, PAGASA says.
The weather bureau classifies the heat index into four:
- Caution (27°C-32°C): Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure.
- Extreme Caution (33°C-41°C): Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
- Danger (42°C-51°C): Heat exhaustion is likely; heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure.
- Extreme Danger (52°C and higher): Heat stroke is highly likely.
This is the reason why the public is advised to stay hydrated, wear light and light-colored clothing, and to stay indoors, preferably in air-conditioned areas, during peak heat hours.
Workers like farmers who have little choice but to get exposed to the sun make sure they have protection when they are outdoors.
Rodrigo Alcantara, a farmer in Iloilo, has to be extra cautious because of his high blood pressure.
He said he paces himself when in the field.
“Galing ka sa gitna na palayan, matindi ang init kaya sumisilong muna. Hihintayin naman na makapagpahinga at saka bumalik ulit,” he said.
