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:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 46ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 45ºC
- Naia, Pasay City, Metro Manila – 44ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 44ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 44ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 43ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 43ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
- Dipolog Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
- Tayabas City, Quezon – 42ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 42ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 42ºC
- Malaybalay, Bukidnon – 42ºC
- 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