With rainy season, heat index alerts suspended

ANILA, Philippines, June 7 ------ The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) yesterday announced the suspension of its daily heat index advisories, following the official declaration of the rainy season.

In a Facebook statement, PAGASA said the issuance of daily heat index information has been paused and will resume on March 1, 2026, in time for the hot and dry season in many areas of the country. “During this period, it is important to focus on providing accurate and timely information related to hazards and potential impacts associated with the rainy season,” the agency said.

Despite the suspension, PAGASA assured the public that heat index data from its automatic weather stations, as well as the iHeatMap, remain accessible through the Department of Science and Technology’s official website. Authorities also advised residents in regions still experiencing warm weather conditions to stay updated with local government advisories and take appropriate precautions to safeguard health and safety.

The heat index measures the apparent temperature felt by the human body, factoring in both air temperature and humidity. It is commonly used to assess risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and dehydration, especially during peak summer months. With the rainy season now underway, PAGASA is shifting focus to monitoring rainfall, potential flooding and other weather hazards that typically accompany the wet months.

Source: philstar.com