PAGASA Flags Danger Zones With 42°C to 48°C Heat This Holy Week

(SPOT.ph) Planning to step out for Visita Iglesia or family gatherings this Holy Week? You might want to brace yourself for scorching conditions. On April 17, at least 16 areas across the Philippines are predicted to experience heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 48°C, according to the latest data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

A heat index between 42°C and 51°C falls within the “danger” zone, where heat stroke is likely to occur with continued exposure. PAGASA's heat index takes into account both temperature and humidity—giving a more accurate sense of how hot it actually feels to the human body. 

Los Baños in Laguna is set to experience the worst of the temperatures, where the heat index is expected to peak at a scorching 48°C. San Ildefonso in Bulacan isn’t far behind at 45°C, followed by Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac at 44°C.

Major travel hubs are feeling the heat too, with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) area in Pasay City and Clark Airport in Pampanga expected to hit 42°C.

This weather alert comes as PAGASA continues to warn of generally warm and humid conditions nationwide from April 16 to April 20. Localized rain showers and thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or evening, but the daytime heat will remain intense either way.

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Here’s the full list of areas under PAGASA’s danger heat index category for April 17—a trend that’s likely to continue for the rest of Holy Week.

• Los Baños, Laguna – 48°C
• San Ildefonso, Bulacan – 45°C
• Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City – 44°C
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
• Baler, Aurora – 43°C
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43°C
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 43°C
• NAIA, Pasay City – 42°C
• Clark Airport, Pampanga – 42°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
• Iba, Zambales – 42°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42°C
• Roxas City, Capiz – 42°C
• Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42°C
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 42°C

PAGASA is urging the public to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and rest in shaded areas when possible. Even quick errands or short walks could lead to fatigue, heat cramps, or worse—especially under direct sunlight.

Also read: How to Avoid Heatstroke Now That Dry Season Is Here