Dangerous heat index grips 39 areas; Sangley Point, Cavite hits 48ºC

STOCK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — A dangerous heat index gripped thirty nine areas across the country on Wednesday, with Sangley Point in Cavite peaking at 48ºC (degrees Celsius), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa said heat index refers to the measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.

A heat index ranging from  42ºC to 51ºC is under the danger category.

Once it reaches this point, the risk for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure increases.

Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index as of 5:00 p.m. on April 24,  the following areas registered a dangerous heat index:

1. Sangley Point, Cavite – 48ºC
2. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
3. Baler (Radar), Aurora – 47ºC
4. Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay, Metro Manila – 46ºC
5. Roxas City, Capiz – 46ºC
6. Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 45ºC
7. Aborlan, Palawan – 45ºC
8. Legazpi City, Albay – 45ºC
9. Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
10. Aparri, Cagayan – 44ºC
11. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
12. ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
13. Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
14. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
15. Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 44ºC
16. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44ºC
17. Bacnotan, La Union – 43ºC
18. Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
19. Tayabas City, Quezon City – 43ºC
20. Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
21. Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43ºC
22. Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
23. Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
24. Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43ºC
25. Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
26. Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
27. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
28. Iba, Zambales – 42ºC
29. Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42ºC
30. CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
31. Infanta, Quezon – 42ºC
32. Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
33. Mulanay, Quezon – 42ºC
34. Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42ºC
35. Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
36. CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42ºC
37. Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42ºC
38. Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42ºC
39. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 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, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
• Bring to hospital immediately