Eastern Visayas continued to experience dangerously high heat index levels from June 1 through the first week of June, with several monitoring stations in the region repeatedly entering the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) “danger” category.
On June 1, Borongan City in Eastern Samar recorded a heat index of 45 degrees Celsius, placing it among the hottest locations in the country.
PAGASA classifies heat index values between 42°C and 51°C as “danger” levels, where prolonged exposure to the sun may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Borongan was joined by Catbalogan City, Samar, and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, which registered heat indices of 43°C.
The following day, June 2, Borongan remained under the danger category at 43°C.
Other areas in Eastern Visayas also posted alarming readings, including Catarman, Northern Samar; Catbalogan, Samar; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Maasin City, Southern Leyte, all reaching 42°C.
Reports from PAGASA showed that extreme heat persisted throughout the week.
On June 4, Borongan and Guiuan were again forecast to register heat indices of 42°C.
By June 5, conditions intensified in parts of the region, with Catarman and Guiuan expected to reach 44°C, while Borongan recorded 43°C and Catbalogan 42°C.
Adding to concerns, PAGASA data revealed that Borongan had registered an extreme danger heat index of 52°C on May 30, the highest recorded in the country this year.
Although temperatures moderated slightly in early June, heat index levels across Eastern Visayas remained hazardous.
The heat index measures how hot it feels when air temperature is combined with relative humidity.
High humidity slows the evaporation of sweat, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Ironically, the prolonged heat occurred even as PAGASA officially declared the onset of the rainy season on June 4.
Weather experts explained that while rains have become more frequent due to the southwest monsoon or habagat, periods of intense sunshine and high humidity continue to produce elevated heat index values.
Health authorities continue to advise residents to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade whenever possible.
Local governments across Eastern Visayas have also reminded schools, workers, and vulnerable sectors to remain vigilant against heat-related illnesses as the region navigates the transition from summer to the rainy season.
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