Eastern Visayas Sizzles: Catarman Posts 44°C Heat Index as Summer Heat Peaks

Posted on Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05 am

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas is experiencing scorching summer heat, with the province of Northern Samar recording the highest heat index in the region at 44°C, according to data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Based on the 5-day computed and 2-day forecast released by Pagasa on April 1, Catarman, Northern Samar registered a heat index of 44°C on March 28, followed by 37°C on March 29, 36°C on March 30, 37°C on March 31, and 38°C on April 1. The two-day forecast for the area projects 38°C for both April 2 and 3.

Guiuan Posts Elevated Heat Index

In Eastern Samar, Guiuan recorded consistently high heat indices over the past five days, with readings of 38°C on March 28, 29, 30, and 31, and another 38°C on April 1. The forecast for the area indicates a slight increase, with projections of 40°C for both April 2 and 3.

Heat Index Levels Across Eastern Visayas

The following areas in Region VIII recorded the following heat index values over the past five days and forecast period:

• Catarman in Northern Samar recorded a peak of 44°C on March 28, with readings ranging from 36°C to 38°C in the following days. The forecast for April 2 and 3 is 38°C.
• Catbalogan in Western Samar saw its highest at 38°C on March 30, with forecasts of 36°C and 35°C for April 2 and 3, respectively.
• Tacloban City maintained relatively steady readings between 35°C and 36°C, with forecasts of 36°C and 37°C.
• At VSU-Baybay in Leyte, readings ranged from 35°C to 37°C, with forecasts of 37°C for both April 2 and 3.
• Borongan in Eastern Samar recorded a consistent 38°C from March 28 to April 1, with forecasts slightly dropping to 37°C and 36°C.
• Guiuan, also in Eastern Samar, recorded 38°C throughout the five-day period, but forecasts show a rise to 40°C for April 2 and 3.
• Maasin in Southern Leyte recorded readings between 34°C and 37°C, with forecasts of 35°C for the next two days.

Public Advisory

According to PAGASA’s publicly available heat index guidelines, temperatures ranging from 42°C to 51°C fall under the “danger” category, where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with continued activity. The 44°C reading recorded in Catarman on March 28 falls within this classification.

Residents across Eastern Visayas, particularly in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar, are advised to take necessary precautions against the intense summer heat.

The public is encouraged to stay safe under the sun by avoiding outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drink lots of water, wear light and breathable clothes, use umbrella, hat, and sunscreen. Check on children and elderly family members who are the most vulnerable to the intense heat.

Heat index levels are continuously monitored buy PAGASA across the region. The public is advised to regularly check official weather advisories for updates. — The Vanguard