'Dangerous' heat index expected in 42 areas

People shield their faces from the sun during a hot day in Manila on Friday, April 19, 2024. PAGASA warned that the heat index in 19 areas across the country would rise to dangerous levels on Saturday, April 20, 2024. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

Parts of Metro Manila are forecast to be at a “danger level” on Sunday while the easterlies will bring cloudy skies, according to PAGASA.

Here are parts of the country that are expected to reach a dangerous heat index level based on the local weather bureau’s Saturday forecast:

48°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan

47°C

Bacnotan, La Union

Aparri, Cagayan

46°C

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Echague, Isabela

45°C

Sinait, Ilocos Sur

Subic Bay Olongapo City

Sangley Point, Cavite

Pili, Camarines Sur

Roxas City, Capiz

44°C

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Laoag City, llocos Norte

NAIA, Pasay City

Clark Airport, Pampanga

43°C

Science Garden, Quezon City

Batac, llocos Norte

Iba, Zambales

Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Tayabas City, Quezon

Coron, Palawan

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Aborlan, Palawan

Virac, Catanduanes

Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur

Cotabato City, Maguindanao

Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte

42°C

Baler, Aurora

Casiguran, Aurora

Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas

Calapan, Oriental Mindoro

Romblon, Romblon

Daet, Camarines Norte

Legazpi City, Albay

Masbate City, Masbate

Ilollo City, lollo

Dumangas, Iloilo

La Carlota, Negros Occidental

Catarman, Northern Samar

Tacloban City, Leyte

Guiuan, Eastern Samar

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.

According to PAGASA, 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.

If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advised concerned individuals to follow these 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, the DOH advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda, as well as liquor.

Easterlies

Meanwhile, PAGASA said other parts of the National Capital Region and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers.

The local weather bureau said this is a result of easterlies which continue to be felt all over the country.

The country may also experience light to moderate winds with slight to moderate coastal waters.

Sunrise in Metro Manila will be at 5:35 a.m. on Sunday.  —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News

This article ‘Dangerous’ heat index expected in 42 areas was originally published in GMA News Online.