FILE PHOTO: Children enjoy a dip in an inflatable pool on Pasong Tirad in Makati City as the weather bureau declared the beginning of the dry season. Officials have also warned about the impact of El Niño on water supply as the heat index continues to rise in different parts of the country. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — Eighteen areas nationwide may experience a dangerous heat index level on Wednesday, the state weather bureau said.
According to the latest heat index forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Tuesday, the areas below may have heat indexes of 42 degrees Celsius and above:
READ: Pagasa: Dry season temperature may have already peaked
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45 degrees Celsius
- Roxas City, Capiz – 45 degrees Celsius
- Guian, Eastern Samar – 45 degrees Celsius
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44 degrees Celsius
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44 degrees Celsius
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Bacnotan, La Union – 43 degrees Celsius
- Alabat, Quezon – 43 degrees Celsius
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43 degrees Celsius
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43 degrees Celsius
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43 degrees Celsius
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43 degrees Celsius
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43 degrees Celsius
- Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42 degrees Celsius
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42 degrees Celsius
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture- Pili, Camarines Sur – 42 degrees Celsius
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42 degrees Celsius
Pagasa likewise marked the heat index for both the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City and the Science Garden in Quezon City at 41 degrees Celsius.
The agency also said that under a dangerous heat index category, health problems may occur, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and, at worst, heat stroke.
READ: ‘Dangerous level’ heat index to hit 37 areas on Tuesday
It likewise asked the public to observe heat-related safety measures, such as drinking plenty of water, limiting time spent outdoors, and wearing heat-protective clothing.