Metro Manila, 24 other areas to reach ‘dangerous’ heat index level

09/05/2024

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-five areas in the county, including Metro Manila, were forecast to have a heat index under the “danger” level on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned.

READ: Dangerous heat index in 25 areas on Wednesday – Pagasa

Based on the state weather bureau’s heat index forecast as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the following places will have a heat index ranging from 42 to 45 degrees Celsius on May 9:

45 degrees Celsius

Dagupan CIty, Pangasinan
Virac, Catanduanes
Roxas City, Capiz

44 degrees Celsius

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Aborlan, Palawan
Cuyo, Palawan

43 degrees Celsius

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte
Bacnotan, La Union
Dumangas, Iloilo
Guiuan, Eastern Samar

42 degrees Celsius

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
Sinait, Ilocos Sur
Iba, Zambales
Clark International Airport, Pampanga
Central Luzon State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
Masbate City, Masbate
Legazpi City, Albay
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur
Mambusao, Capiz
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Catarman, Northern Samar
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

Heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius fall under the “danger” category.

READ: Cloud cluster in southern part of PAR may become weather disturbance

People exposed to these heat indices are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

To prevent the effects of roasting weather, Pagasa said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, wear hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities on the cooler periods of the day.

Pagasa noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

In cases of emergency, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:

Move the person to a shady spot and lie him or her down with legs elevated
If conscious, have them sip cool water
Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
Bring to a hospital immediately

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