The heat index in Echague, Isabela and Roxas City soared to 44°C on Maundy Thursday, April 17, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Seventeen other areas, mostly from Luzon, also reached dangerous heat index levels.

On April 18, Good Friday, almost 50 areas may experience heat indices of at least 40°C, with Pasay City and 15 other areas possibly reaching dangerous heat index levels.

Under such conditions, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.

PAGASA earlier said scorching heat will prevail over most of the Philippines during the Holy Week.

PAGASA advised the public to limit physical outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid fatigue, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion.

Regular hydration, taking breaks in shaded areas, and wearing light-colored and comfortable clothing were also encouraged.

The weather bureau also said that the peak of the warm and dry season usually happens between the second half of April and the first two weeks of May.

Northern and lowland Luzon are forecast to reach maximum temperatures of more than 39 degrees Celsius in April and around 39 degrees Celsius in May.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and lowland Mindanao may hit temperatures over 38 degrees Celsius in April and 37 degrees Celsius in May.

The highest heat index recorded since monitoring began in March this year was 50 degrees Celsius, observed in Iba, Zambales on April 1.