The heat index in Pangasinan soared to 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday, placing it under the danger category, with similar conditions expected to persist as the dry season approaches, an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned.
In an interview on Friday, PAGASA Dagupan City chief Jose Estrada Jr. said the rising heat index is normal due to the transition as northeast monsoon weakens and easterly wind flow enters.
“By the end of March to April, we are expecting to experience a neutral weather system, meaning the effects of the La Niña phenomenon declines, although it was forecasted that it will go on until the first quarter of 2025,” he said.
He added that while the province and other parts of the country are now experiencing hot weather, some parts of the country are still being affected by the northeast monsoon that brings rains.
Estrada noted that temperatures typically peak in April and May, coinciding with the dry season.
In 2024, heat indexes in Dagupan City and nearby areas exceeded 50 degrees Celsius.
Health authorities are urging the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses by staying hydrated, avoiding direct sun exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has also assured coverage for heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.
PhilHealth provides benefit packages of P12,675 for heat stroke or exhaustion-related hospitalizations, and P18,135 for cases of heat fatigue.
It also encourages the use of its free Konsulta Package for early consultations and symptom monitoring to prevent severe cases. (PNA)