7 areas across PH to have ‘dangerous’ heat index on Wednesday — Pagasa

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MANILA, Philippines — Seven areas across the country are forecast to experience “dangerous” heat index on Wednesday, March 27, state meteorologists have said.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) heat index forecast, the following areas may feel temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius:

• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
•  Masbate City, Masbate
• CBSU-Pili, Camarines Sur
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao

READ: Pagasa: Dangerous heat index logged in 9 areas 

Heat index measures “apparent heat” or the heat that is felt by the human body, Pagasa said.

The state weather bureau classified the temperature range of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius under the “danger” level in its heat index.

Such temperatures may lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion, with heat stroke becoming probable with prolonged exposure to the sweltering heat, it added.

In a public weather forecast also on Wednesday, Pagasa specialist Obet Badrina advised Filipinos across the country to bring water bottles with them when traveling during the Holy Week rush, and to minimize exposure to the heat.

Badrina also explained that peak temperatures may occur at noon.

READ: Pagasa sees 40-42°C heat index in some parts of Luzon, Davao Region 

Pagasa has enumerated the following preventive measures from heat-related illnesses:

• Limit the time spent outdoors;
• Drink plenty of water;
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor;
• Wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and Schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it’s cooler.