Olongapo folk warned of exhaustion as heat index nears danger level

A few residents of Olongapo City are seeking respite from the scorching sun by cooling off the beach in this photo taken on Wednesday, March 27, as the heat index is feared to reach the dangerous level. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

OLONGAPO CITY — Residents in this city were warned of ailments linked to the rising temperature as the heat index was forecast to reach 41 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, March 27.

In an advisory, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said continuous activities, especially outdoors, could lead to exhaustion and heat stroke.

It said residents should also avoid or minimize prolonged exposure to the sun to avoid the risk of heat cramps.

READ: La Union town logs ‘dangerous’ 47°C heat index

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) said heat index is the measure of the contribution that high humidity makes to abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool it.

Temperatures ranging from 42 to 51 °C are already classified as a “danger” level. INQ