Weather forecasters predicted the heat index in Metro Manila to jump to 46 degrees on Monday, forcing eight cities to suspend classes.

However, as of 5 pm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported a maximum of 42 degrees in Dagupan City.

The Science Garden in Quezon City logged a heat index of 37 degrees and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport experienced 38 degrees.

The cities of Manila, Marikina, Pasay, Malabon, Las Pinas, and Paranaque suspended face-to-face classes for all levels in public and private schools.

Valenzuela and Caloocan cancelled face-to-face classes from kindergarten to senior high school.

In a phone call interview with Daily Manila Shimbun, Pagasa weather specialist Veronica Torres said: “There is a sudden increase in heat index because the northeast monsoon, which brought cold winds, no longer has an effect in the country. There is also the presence of the easterlies coming from the Pacific Ocean bringing hot winds.”

The high heat index of up to 46 degrees Celsius falls under the “danger” level classification, which places people at risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and, in severe cases, heat stroke.

A Department of Education official said in a radio interview that the cancellation of face-to-face classes due to high forecast heat index is under the discretion of local government units.

As of posting time, De La Salle University ? Manila campus has cancelled face-to-face classes and shifted to online modalities for all levels and San Juan City declared a change in class hours on March 4. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS