Pagasa: 35 areas to reach ‘dangerous’ levels of heat index on Labor Day
Pagasa: 35 areas to reach ‘dangerous’ levels of heat index on Labor Day
MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-five areas are forecast to reach “dangerous” levels of heat indexes on Labor Day, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Heat index is defined by Pagasa as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index
The highest forecast heat index for Wednesday is at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)- Pili area in Camarines Sur, where 48ºC (degrees Celsius) is expected.
A heat index of 47ºC is also expected in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, a heat index of 43ºC is forecast in Pasay City, specifically around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia); and 42ºC in Science Garden Quezon City.
Once it reaches 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa considers it part of the “danger category” as it may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.
Below is the list of areas forecast to register a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 48ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 45ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 45ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 45ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 44ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC’
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 43ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/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