MANILA, Philippines — A scorching 48ºC heat index hounded Aparri, Cagayan on Tuesday while 30 other areas / locations likewise experienced a dangerous heat index, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
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.
A heat index from 42ºC to 51ºC is under the danger category, Pagasa said.
The higher the heat index, the higher the risk there is for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.
Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index as of April 23, 5:00 p.m., the following areas registered a dangerous heat index level:
- Aparri, Cagayan – 48ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 47ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 46ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 46ºC
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay, Metro Manila – 45ºC
- Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 45ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 45ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 45ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 44ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 44ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 44ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 44ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 43ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 42ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
- Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental – 42ºC
In cases of heat-related emergencies, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shaded area and lie him/her down with legs elevated
- If conscious, have them sip cool water
- Remove extra layers of clothing, loosen tight clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
- Bring to hospital immediately