Pagasa: Heat index in 13 locations considered ‘dangerous’

MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen locations in the Philippines on Wednesday reported a heat index considered to be “dangerous,”  the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

According to Pagasa, a heat index of 41°C or higher is considered to be in the “danger” level and poses health risks.

Pagasa explained that the heat index is the “apparent temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting the body.”

Pagasa’s heat index board on Wednesday showed that the highest index was reported in Calapan in Oriental Mindoro at 46.8°C, followed by Infanta in Quezon at 43.5°C, and Ambulong in Batangas at 43.2°C).

Following are the other areas that reported heat index considered dangerous:

• Casiguran, Aurora: 42.6°C
• Pasay City, Metro Manila: 42.5°C
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan (42.4°C
• San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro: 42°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 41.5°C
• Sangley Point, Cavite: 41.4°C
• Aparri, Cagayan: 41.4°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao: 41. 3°C
• Baler, Aurora: 41.3°C
• Iba, Zambales: 41°C

Though considered dangerous, the highest heat index reported in Calapan on Wednesday was still lower than what was experienced in Dagupan City on Tuesday, which peaked at 51.7°C, the highest recorded in the country so far this year.

READ: Heat index soars to 51.7 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City

Residents of areas considered in the “danger” level are likely to experience cramps and heat exhaustion. while heat stroke is probable for individuals engaged in continuous activity.

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Pagasa advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.

The public is also advised to drink water regularly to keep their body cool. /ee

READ: Pagasa: Brace for more intense heat in May