Luzon areas to experience ‘danger level’ heat index

March 8, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — As temperatures continue to rise, five areas in Luzon are expected to experience the highest heat index, according to the latest data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Topping the list are Iba, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Dagupan, Pangasinan and Cuyo, Palawan, with a forecast heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA warns that temperatures between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius are “dangerous,” posing risks of heat exhaustion, cramps and heat stroke.

The weather agency also forecast that the heat index across many areas nationwide would fall between 33 and 41 degrees Celsius, placing them in the “extreme caution” category.

Central Luzon, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region and Zamboanga Peninsula are anticipated to experience the highest temperatures within this range.

In Metro Manila, the heat index is expected to rise, with temperatures predicted to hit 41 degrees Celsius in Quezon City and 40 degrees Celsius in Pasay City.

The heat index, which calculates the perceived temperature by combining humidity and actual air temperature, highlights the importance of staying cautious.

PAGASA previously stated that experiencing extreme temperatures during this time of year is normal as the country transitions from the rainy to the dry season, with the peak expected in April.

Monsoon brings rains

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon continues to bring heavy rains to Batanes, Babuyan Islands and parts of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, the Cordillera Administrative Region and Aurora province.

Alongside this, easterly winds from the Pacific Ocean are also contributing to heavy downpours across the eastern parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. These conditions raise concerns about flash floods and landslides.

Despite the rainfall in the northern and eastern sections, the southern part of Luzon, including Metro Manila, along with the Visayas and Mindanao, will experience mostly isolated rainshowers.

However, the general weather in these areas remains warm, with no forecast of heavy rainfall.

The eastern parts of Luzon and the Visayas, including southern Leyte, Caraga and Davao Oriental, remain at high risk for flooding and landslides due to the heavy rains.

Gale warnings are still in place for Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, making sea travel dangerous in these areas.

PAGASA also reported that no low-pressure areas are being monitored inside or outside the Philippine area of responsibility, eliminating the possibility of a typhoon until the weekend. — Artemio Dumlao, Cesar Ramirez