Easter Sunday heat index to reach 42°C-44°C in 8 areas

Easter Sunday will have 42°C to 44°C heat indices in eight areas in Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, and Iloilo, according to the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Image: INQUIRER.net stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — Easter Sunday will have 42°C to 44°C heat indices in eight areas in Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, and Iloilo.

According to the latest forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), a “danger category” heat indicator will be experienced on March 31 in the following places:

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay, Metro Manila (42°C)
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (43°C)
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (44°C)
• Aborlan, Palawan (44°C)
• Roxas City, Capiz (44°C)
• Mambusao, Capiz (43°C)
• Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C)
• Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C)

READ: Easter giveaways must exclude live rabbits, chicks – PAWS

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,” Pagasa said.

It also said that temperatures that range from 42°C to 51°C fall under the danger category of heat indices which result in heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

READ: 11 areas to reach ‘danger’ level heat index on Black Saturday

To prevent the effects of blistering 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 added 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.

In cases of emergency, Pagasa advised the 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