Extreme heat grips 67 areas as heat index peaks at 41 degrees Celsius

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-seven areas across the Philippines are placed under the “extreme caution” level on Saturday, March 28, as heat index readings soar up to 41°C, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

The heat index measures how hot it actually feels to the body.

Under the extreme caution category, heat index readings range from 33°C to 41°C. PAGASA warned that such conditions may trigger heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while prolonged exposure to the sun could result in heat stroke.

Here are the 67 areas under extreme caution:

41°C 

• San Ildefonso, Bulacan

40°C 

• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

39°C

• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite
• Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City
• TAU Camiling, Tarlac
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
• ISU Echague, Isabela
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan

38°C

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Aparri, Cagayan
• Clark Airport, Pampanga
• Davao City, Davao del Sur
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao

37°C

• Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
• Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar
• VSU-Baybay, Leyte
• Cuyo, Palawan
• NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City
• Iba, Zambales
• Baler, Aurora
• NVSU, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• NAIA, Pasay City, Manila

36°C

• Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
• Legazpi City, Albay
• Masbate City, Masbate
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
• Siquijor, Siquijor
• Catarman, Northern Samar
• Catbalogan, Western Samar
• Tacloban City, Leyte

35°C

• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Romblon, Romblon
• Juban, Sorsogon
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
• Mactan International Airport, Cebu
• Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental
• CMU Agromet, Musuan, Bukidnon

34°C

• Calayan, Cagayan
• Abucay, Bataan
• Mulanay, Quezon
• CvSU-Indang, Cavite
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• BU-Guinobatan, Albay
• BIA-Daraga, Albay
• Panglao International Airport, Bohol
• Maasin, Southern Leyte

33°C

• Casiguran, Aurora
• Tayabas City, Quezon
• Alabat, Quezon

What to do under extreme heat

Amid soaring temperatures, authorities remind the public of the following steps to stay safe under extreme heat:

• Watch for symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, and muscle cramps, which may signal fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke.
• Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious signs like confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
• Stay in shaded or well-ventilated areas whenever possible.
• Wear light clothing and use cold compresses or ice packs to cool down.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily; electrolyte drinks and juices are also recommended.
• When outdoors, wear hats or caps, or use umbrellas to protect yourself from the sun.