MANILA, Philippines — A heat index of 44°C is predicted for Roxas City and Iloilo City on Good Friday, and residents were advised to take extra precautions against the blistering temperature.
Roxas City was likewise forecast to reach a peak heat index of 45°C on Black Saturday, March 30, according to data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
The state weather service further said residents of Iba, Zambales; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan, Palawan; and Dumangas, Iloilo, should be more careful as hot weather may peak at 43°C this Friday.
It issued a similar advisory to the residents of Pasay City in Metro Manila, Sangley Point, Cavite, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Coron, Palawan, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Masbate City, Pili, Camarines Sur, Mambusao, Capiz, and Zamboanga City, as these areas will experience searing conditions at 42°C this March 29.
Pagasa said 42°C to 51°C heat indices are considered a “danger category” and could lead to heat-related ailments such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke with prolonged exposure.
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A heat index is “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself,” it also noted.
To prevent the effects of high heat, Pagasa said the public must limit 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 on the cooler periods of the day.
It said that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
READ: Heat index soars to 44°C in six areas in Luzon, Visayas
In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded 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
- Bring to a hospital immediately