(UPDATED) More local government units have suspended in-person classes in public and private schools Tuesday, April 2, due to extreme heat.

The country's heat index measures what a temperature feels like, taking into account humidity.

The index was expected to reach the "danger" level of 42 degrees Celsius in Manila on Tuesday and 43C on Wednesday, with similar levels in a dozen other areas of the country, the state weather forecaster said.

The actual highest temperature forecast for the metropolis on Tuesday was 34C. 

A heat index of 42-51C can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke "probable with continued exposure", the weather forecaster said in an advisory.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are also possible at 33-41C, according to the forecaster.

The Department of Education said the following areas have shifted to alternative delivery modes of learning while face-to-face classes are suspended.

*Regions implementing ADM due to hot weather conditions:* 

(As of April 2,2024, 9AM)

*NCR*

1. Quezon City

*Region 1*

1. Dagupan City

*Region 5*

1. Polangui, Albay

*Region 6*

1. Iloilo City

2. Kabankalan City

3. Silay City

4. Himamaylan City

5. Bago City

6. Bacolod

7. Negros Occidental

*Region 8*

1. Maasin Central School, Maasin City

*Region 9*

1. Pagadian City Pilot School 

2. Buenavista Integrated School (Zamboanga City)

*Region 12:*

1. Municipality of Banga 

2. Municipality of Tantangan 

3. General Santos 

4. Polomolok, South Cotabato 

5. Sultan Kudarat 

6. Maasim (Saranggani)

DepEd deputy spokesperson Asec. Francis Bringas earlier confirmed schools can shift to alternative modes of learning if extreme heart prompts the suspension of face-to-face classes.

Suspension of face-to-face classes due to extreme heat allowed: DepEd

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), meanwhile, urged DepEd to consider several measures to alleviate extreme heat in schools including shortening and adjusting class hours.

TDC Chairperson Benjo Bass said classes could be conducted from 6-10 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. to ensure that students and teachers avoid the hottest parts of the day.

“Some have had nosebleeds, some have diarrhea, both the teachers and students,” he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

He said the DepEd has allowed teachers in areas affected by extreme heat to wear more comfortable clothing.

The TDC chairperson said he does not recommend a shift to full distance learning, citing the experience of both learners and teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If we go back to full distance learning, there has be one day of face-to-face interaction in that whole week. We don’t see a shift to distance learning as a solution because we’ve seen what happens…There is no better alternative than face-to-face classes,” he said. - with a report from Agence France-Presse