ILOILO — Extreme heat conditions tightened their grip on Iloilo over the Holy Week, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recording a scorching 46°C heat index — the highest so far this year — raising alarm over increasing health risks as temperatures continue to climb.
The peak reading was logged at the PAGASA Dumangas Station at around 2 p.m. on April 4 (Black Saturday), followed by another high of 43°C at the same time on April 5 (Easter Sunday), underscoring a dangerous upward trend in heat exposure across the province.
Heat index, as defined by PAGASA, is the measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.
At levels between 42°C and 51°C, PAGASA classifies the heat index as “danger,” where heat exhaustion becomes likely and prolonged exposure may lead to heat stroke.
Data from the PAGASA Iloilo Station in Jaro district also showed elevated readings, with a high of 42°C recorded on March 1 and 40°C on April 1, 3, and 4.
“Subong nga April naga-range ang aton maximum heat index nga na-record from 39 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius. Daw naga-amat-amat naman or gradually maga-increase ang heat index nga ma-experience,” said PAGASA Iloilo weather forecaster Leonor Silvestre in an interview with Panay News.
She attributed the gradual rise in heat index to the onset of the hot and dry season, following the end of the northeast monsoon or amihan.
Authorities warned that continued exposure to extreme heat — especially from noon to mid-afternoon — could trigger heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, particularly among vulnerable individuals and those working outdoors.
“If possible, likawan naton ang magbabad sa tama ka init or silak sang adlaw, especially halin 12 noon asta mag-2 sang hapon kay tama ka init,” Silvestre said.
She also urged the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored clothing, and use protective gear such as umbrellas and hats.
Individuals with existing health conditions, including high blood pressure, were reminded to continue taking prescribed maintenance medications, especially if exposed to prolonged heat.
With the heat index expected to rise further in the coming weeks, PAGASA emphasized the need for vigilance and preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat-related emergencies./PN
