Heat index forecast for April 9: 42°C to 44°C may be expected in 6 areas

Heat index will peak between 42 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius in six areas of Luzon and Mindanao on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, the state weather agency said.. Image: INQUIRER.net stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — Heat index will peak between 42 degrees Celsius and 44 degrees Celsius in six areas of Luzon and Mindanao on Tuesday, the state weather agency said.

In a bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said “danger category” heat may be expected in the following areas:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44 degrees Celsius
• Bacnotan, La Union – 42 degrees Celsius
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42 degrees Celsius
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
• Aborlan, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 42 degrees Celsius

READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index

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.” It also describes 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius heat indicators as dangerous because high temperatures may cause heat cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke during continued exposure.

READ: DOH gives first-aid steps to prevent heat-related ailments

On April 8, Pagasa said six areas nationwide had 42 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius heat indices, with Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Bacnotan in La Union experiencing the maximum forecast heat index that day.

Pagasa also said Sinait in Ilocos Sur, Puerto Princesa and Aborlan in Palawan province logged a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius, while Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, 42 degrees Celsius on Monday.