Pagasa sees 42°C to 43°C ‘danger’ level heat index in 7 areas on April 4

A heat index of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius was forecast in seven areas of the country for Thursday, April 4, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. INQUIRER FILES / STOCK IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines — A heat index of 42 to 43 degrees Celsius was forecast in seven areas of the country for Thursday, April 4.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), this “danger category” heat indication will be in the following places:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 42 degrees Celsius
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 42 degrees Celsius
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42 degrees Celsius
• Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur – 42 degrees Celsius
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 42 degrees Celsius
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 43 degrees Celsius
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42 degrees Celsius

READ: More areas suspend in-person classes due to high heat index

Pagasa previously explained that temperatures that range from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius fall under the danger category of heat indices which result in heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

It likewise defined 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.”

To prevent the effects of roasting weather, Pagasa said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, wear hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities on the cooler periods of the day.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: In-person classes suspended due to heatwave

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