Health authorities are reminding the public repeatedly of the importance of protecting oneself from the extreme heat of the sun this dry season.

According to PAGASA, the heat index in Dumangas town in Iloilo, as well as other areas in Western Visayas, may reach 44 degrees celsius in the coming days or weeks as the dry season peaks.

“Unti-unti na yan towards sa peak season natin, which is mid-April up to May. So magpapatuloy pa yan,” said Engr. Rolly Cuenca, weather forecaster at PAGASA Iloilo.

The heat index in Dumangas where PAGASA has an equipment, has reached 42 degrees celsius for four consecutive days, from April 8 to 11, 2026.

This falls under the danger level that can trigger a heat stroke.

Dumangas is a coastal community.

Iloilo City and Roxas City, and the town of Mambuso in Capiz are under the extreme caution category for recording a heat index between 33 degrees celsius to 41 degrees celsius.

PAGASA has classified 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. 

Heat index is what air temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

Arande Detablan, head of the Dumangas MDRRMO, advised the wearing of caps and light clothing.

“Magsuot sila ng sombrero o mga light clothing upang at least makabubuti sa kanilang pakiramdam,” Detablan said.

Edgar Llena, an e-bike driver, said he continues to drive under the heat because it is his only way to earn a living.

Because he has hypertension, he makes sure he rests from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the time of day considered hottest.

“Kung meron ka lang… may pera ka lang, parang hindi ka na mamamasada dahil sa init. Kaso dahil mahirap ang buhay, namamasada pa rin kami,” he told GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas.

Construction workers like Arill Alarcon, also said they adjust their working hours to avoid the extreme heat.

“Naghahanap kami ng silong at dito naman nami nagtatrabaho,” he said.

Earlier, PAGASA said the heat index in Iloilo may still go up in succeeding weeks if historical data are to be considered.

Agency records showed that the heat index in Iloilo was between 41 degrees celsius and 46 degrees celsius in 2025.