Pagasa records 42ºC heat index in cities of Cotabato, Roxas

Farms in Cotabato province are parched due to the extreme heat. (File photo dated March 15, 2019, by WILLIAMOR MAGBANUA / Inquirer Mindanao)

MANILA, Philippines — The cities of Cotabato in Maguindanao del Norte and Roxas in Capiz reached a peak heat index of 42ºC on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

The state weather bureau classifies these conditions as a “danger category.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (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.”

Based on Pagasa’s list of areas with the highest heat index as of Tuesday afternoon, both Cotabato City and Capiz City logged a peak heat index of 42ºC.

According to Pagasa, a heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC is considered dangerous as it may cause heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.

It should be noted that Cotabato City reached the category almost every other day, with the last heat index recorded at 42ºC on March 10 and as high as 43ºC on March 8.

READ: Cotabato City logs the highest heat index in PH again at 43°C

Meanwhile, Pagasa also forecasts that Capiz city will reach the 42ºC “danger category” on Wednesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 15.

It advises the public to prevent the effects of high heat by limiting outdoor time, drinking plenty of water, avoiding tea, coffee, soda, and liquor, wearing umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and scheduling heavy-duty activities during cooler periods.

In cases of emergency, Pagasa is reminding 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.
• If the person feels worse, immediately bring him/her to a hospital.