The heat index could peak to a fiery 44 degrees Celsius in Capiz’s capital, Roxas City, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). WEATHER COMPOSITE IMAGE: INQUIRER STOCK/FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines — The heat index could peak to a fiery 44 degrees Celsius in Capiz’s capital Roxas City on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Ten more areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were also predicted to experience “danger category” heat indices within today, April 2, according to the state weather agency.
READ: Heat index soars to 45ºC in Dagupan City
Based on Pagasa’s data as of 5 p.m. on April 1, these places are:
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City – 42 degrees Celsius
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42 degrees Celsius
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur – 43 degrees Celsius
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43 degrees Celsius
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43 degrees Celsius
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 42 degrees Celsius
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42 degrees Celsius
READ: Scorching heat forces class suspensions across the country
Pagasa defines heat index as “a human discomfort index that gives the apparent temperature on what humans perceive or feel as the temperature (from the surroundings) affecting the body.”
“High air temperature and high relative humidity results [in] high apparent temperature,” it adds.
Pagasa also said that a heat index of 42 to 51°C falls under the danger category and would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued heat or sun exposure.
Under dehydrating weather, people were advised to drink plenty of water and not wait to do so until feeling thirsty.
In a press briefing on Monday, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin, a former secretary of the Department of Health, reminded the public to drink water at even the slightest hint of thirst because a lot of heat-induced diseases such as heat stroke can happen without people knowing they are at risk.