Dangerous heat index expected in 30 areas on May 6

06/05/2024

Sunny day, hot weather, heat index, heat, weather, weather thumb, summer

The heat index in 30 areas in the country may hit the “danger” level on Monday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its forecast as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, PAGASA said the following areas may feel the highest heat index of up to 47°C:

47°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan
Aparri, Cagayan

45°C

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
CBSUA, Pili, Camarines Sur
Guiuan, Eastern Samar

44°C

Bacnotan, La Union
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
Roxas City, Capiz
Catbalogan, Samar

43°C

ISU Echague, Isabela
Sangley Point, Cavite
Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Cuyo, Palawan
Daet, Camarines Norte
Dumangas, Iloilo
Catarman, Northern Samar

42°C

NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila
Sinait, Ilocos Sur
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
Baler (Radar), Aurora
Casiguran, Aurora
Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City
Masbate City, Masbate
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Tacloban City, Leyte
Borongan, Eastern Samar
Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

Meanwhile, Science Garden in Quezon City will have a heat index of 41°C, classified as under “extreme caution”.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

PAGASA said heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

The highest recorded heat index reported in the country was 53°C in Iba, Zambales on April 28. In Metro Manila, the highest recorded heat index was 46°C in NAIA, Pasay City on April 24.

If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the following first aid measures:

Move the person to a shaded, cool area, and provide ventilation.
Remove the person’s outer clothing.
Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin. If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent slow sips of cool water.
Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda, as well as liquor.

People should also use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors and schedule their heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it is cooler.

PAGASA on March 22 declared the start of the warm and dry season in the country and the start of the El Niño phenomenon on July 4 last year.

Since 2023, the United Nations has warned the public of “global boiling.”

“The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in June 2023. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News

This article Dangerous heat index expected in 30 areas on May 6 was originally published in GMA News Online.

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