Two areas in the country may experience a “danger-level” heat index reaching 42°C on Tuesday, April 7, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Based on the weather bureau’s two-day heat index forecast, the affected areas are San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Dumangas, Iloilo.

PAGASA defines the heat index as a measure of how high humidity combines with elevated air temperatures, reducing the human body’s ability to cool itself. Heat index levels ranging from 42°C to 51°C fall under the “danger” category, which poses increased risks of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Tuesday marks the fourth consecutive day that Dumangas has recorded a danger-level heat index after reaching a peak of 46°C on April 4. Meanwhile, San Jose is experiencing its second straight day under the same classification.

The following areas were also placed under the “extreme caution” category, or heat index levels ranging from 33°C to 41°C:

The rise in temperatures was expected following the end of the northeast monsoon, locally known as the amihan season, on March 23. PAGASA earlier announced the termination of the amihan, signaling the official onset of the country’s dry season.

Authorities advised the public to exercise extreme caution, stay hydrated, and take preventive measures to avoid heat-related illnesses amid the prevailing hot weather conditions.