Dagupan City sets new 2021 high with 53°C heat index on May 14

For the third time, Dagupan City in the province of Pangasinan set a record for the highest heat index in 2021, so far.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Dagupan City registered a heat index of 53°C on Friday, May 14.

The city beat its own 52°C record set just last Wednesday, May 12. Its first record for 2021 was 51°C last Saturday, May 8.

The heat index refers to the temperature perceived by people, which is based on the actual air temperature combined with relative humidity.

At 2 pm on Friday, Dagupan City had an air temperature of 37.4°C and relative humidity of 61%, resulting in the 53°C heat index.

The peak air temperature of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province on Friday was actually higher than Dagupan City’s at 37.8°C. But its relative humidity was only 37%, for a 42°C heat index.

Here are the hottest places on Friday, based on their heat indexes:

1. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 53°C
2. Sangley Point, Cavite – 47°C
3. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44°C
4. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
5. Ambulong, Tanauan City, Batangas – 43°C
6. Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
7. Clark International Airport, Pampanga – 42°C
8. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42°C
9. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
10. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 41°C
11. Casiguran, Aurora – 41°C
12. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City – 41°C
13. Roxas City, Capiz – 41°C
14. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 41°C

A heat index in the 41°C to 54°C range is classified as Danger. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with continued activity, warned PAGASA.

People are advised to stay indoors and drink plenty of water during the hot dry season. – Rappler.com