'Danger' level heat index to hit 4 Luzon areas on March 5

Four areas in Luzon are expected to experience "danger level" heat index on Wednesday, March 5, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Based on its 5 p.m. March 4 bulletin, the state weather bureau said its monitoring stations forecast a heat index of 42°C in San Jose Occidental, Mindoro and 43°C in Legazpi, Albay and Virac (Synop), Catanduanes. 

CBSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur will also have a 43°C heat index, PAGASA said.

The heat index measures how hot it feels to the human body, factoring in humidity along with the actual air temperature.

A heat index of 52°C and beyond is classified as "extreme danger," which could lead to heat stroke.

A heat index between 42°C and 51°C falls under the “danger” classification, posing health risks such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke with continuing activity.

Several cities and schools earlier suspended classes due to the extreme heat.

Malacanang had said it is taking measures to prepare for the impact of the rising heat index levels. —LDF, GMA Integrated News