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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:
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 48ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 47ºC
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay, Metro Manila – 46ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 46ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 45ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 45ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 45ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 44ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 43ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Tayabas City, Quezon City – 43ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 42ºC
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- Infanta, Quezon – 42ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
- Mulanay, Quezon – 42ºC
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42ºC
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42ºC
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42ºC
- 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