Heat Index in November 2026: Danger Areas, Class Rules, Safety Tips

PAGASA is issuing rare November heat index warnings due to El Niño. See the danger areas, DepEd's class suspension rules, and how to stay safe.

Mark Rem

Nov 5, 2026 - 23:23

Summary: November is usually the start of the cooler amihan season, but PAGASA has been warning of "danger"-level heat index readings across parts of the country this week. Here is what is happening, what the numbers mean, and how schools and families are expected to respond.

For most Filipinos, November means cooler mornings and Christmas countdowns. This year, the state weather bureau PAGASA has instead been publishing daily heat index forecasts, normally a summer routine, because of the ongoing El Niño. Since early November, several provinces in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao have been forecast to reach the "danger" range of 42°C or higher, and some local governments and schools have suspended in-person classes.

What happened

PAGASA usually releases heat index data from March until the rainy season begins. According to GMA News, the agency said the prevailing El Niño condition prompted this "off-season issuance" to guide the public on possible extreme heat.

The forecasts this week have been consistent:

Tuesday, Nov. 3: 16 areas were forecast to hit danger levels, with a peak of 43°C in Iloilo City, San Jose (Occidental Mindoro) and Catarman (Northern Samar), Philstar reported.
Wednesday, Nov. 4: Nine areas were in the danger range, led by Dumangas, Iloilo at 43°C (GMA News).
Thursday, Nov. 5: Coron, Palawan and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte were forecast at 43°C, while Iloilo City, Dumangas and Butuan City were at 42°C (DZRH).
Friday, Nov. 6: PAGASA's latest forecast puts Coron at 43°C and Dipolog and Butuan at 42°C. Metro Manila is expected to stay in the lower "extreme caution" range, with 37°C forecast in Pasay City and 36°C in Quezon City (Inquirer).

For Friday, in-person classes were suspended in several Albay localities, including Guinobatan, Tabaco City, Bacacay and Tiwi, and in most schools in Jovellar, citing the expected heat and a scheduled power interruption. Milibili National High School in Roxas City, Capiz shifted to online learning, Inquirer reported.

What the heat index means for you

The heat index is the "feels like" temperature. It combines air temperature and humidity to show how much heat stress the body experiences. Under PAGASA's classification:

33°C to 41°C – Extreme caution
42°C to 51°C – Danger: heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and prolonged exposure can lead to heat stroke.
52°C and above – Extreme danger: heat stroke is likely.

PAGASA has said a strong to very strong El Niño is present and expected to last into the first quarter of 2027, with average temperatures rising by about 1 to 2°C and below-normal rainfall in most areas through the coming months. In short, hot spells like this week's may return before the usual summer.

How class suspensions work this school year

There is no automatic nationwide suspension when it gets hot. Under DepEd Memorandum No. 64, s. 2026, school heads decide using indoor classroom temperature and humidity readings taken at 8 a.m., 12 noon and 2 p.m., GMA News reported. The guide works roughly like this:

Below 27°C: regular face-to-face classes.
Up to 32°C: schools may shorten onsite hours or go hybrid.
33°C to 41°C: physical classes are suspended and learners shift to home-based tasks.
42°C and above: both physical and home-based activities are suspended.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said schools must notify the local government unit when they send students home, so parents should watch announcements from both the school and the LGU.

What to do: practical tips

Check PAGASA's daily heat index forecast on its website or official social media before planning outdoor activities.
Limit time under direct sun, especially around midday and early afternoon.
Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. PAGASA advises avoiding tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol during extreme heat.
Wear light, loose, light-colored clothing and use an umbrella, hat or cap.
Watch for warning signs such as headache, dizziness, vomiting and muscle cramps. Move the person to a cool, shaded place and seek medical help if symptoms worsen. For emergencies, call 911.
Check on vulnerable family members – young children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with existing illnesses.
Follow your school's and LGU's official pages for "walang pasok" announcements instead of relying on reposts.

FAQs

Why is it this hot in November?

PAGASA links the unusual heat to El Niño, which has reduced rainfall and is expected to persist until early 2027. This is why the agency is issuing heat index forecasts outside the usual summer months.

Are classes automatically suspended when the heat index reaches 42°C?

Not nationwide. Under DepEd Memorandum No. 64, s. 2026, each school decides based on its own classroom readings and must coordinate with the LGU. Local officials can also announce suspensions for their area.

Is the heat index the same as the actual temperature?

No. The heat index is how hot it feels once humidity is factored in, so it is usually higher than the air temperature shown on a thermometer.

This article is for general information. For health concerns, consult a doctor or your local health office, and follow PAGASA, DepEd and LGU advisories.