MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan soared to a dangerous 45ºC (degrees Celsius) on Monday.
Eight other areas likewise logged heat indices under the 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.”
Once it reaches 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa considers it part of the “danger category” as it may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke due to continued exposure.
Eight other areas reached “danger” level heat indexes, including, Baler, Aurora (42ºC); Aborlan, Palawan (43ºC); Pili, Camarines Sur (44ºC); Roxas City, Capiz (44ºC); Dumangas, Iloilo (43ºC); La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental (43ºC), Catarman, Northern Samar (43ºC) and Cotabato City (42ºC)
Several areas on Monday already suspended in-person classes due to high temperatures.
In cases of emergency amid high heat, Pagasa reminds 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.
- Loosen 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