Sweltering 47ºC heat index grips Dagupan City, Aparri

MANILA, Philippines — Dagupan City, Pangasinan and Aparri, Cagayan experienced a sweltering 47ºC heat index on Thursday, while 27 other areas / locations likewise registered a dangerous heat index, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Metro Manila, specifically at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City, logged a peak heat index of 44ºC.

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 considered part of 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.

Below is the list of areas that registered a heat index of 42ºC and up:

1. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
2. Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
3. Aborlan, Palawan – 46ºC
4. Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC
5. Sangley Point, Cavite – 45ºC
6. Naia, Pasay City, Metro Manila – 44ºC
7. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
8. Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
9. Coron, Palawan – 44ºC
10. Legazpi City, Albay – 44ºC
11. Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43ºC
12. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43ºC
13. ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
14. Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
15. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43ºC
16. Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 43ºC
17. CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 43ºC
18. Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
19. La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
20. Dipolog Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
21. MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
22. CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
23. Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
24. Tayabas City, Quezon – 42ºC
25. Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
26. Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 42ºC
27. Roxas City, Capiz – 42ºC
28. Malaybalay, Bukidnon – 42ºC
29. Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 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