Pagasa: Dangerous heat index in 39 areas; Dagupan City hits 48ºC

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty nine areas experienced a dangerous heat index ranging from 42ºC to 48 ºC on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

 Dagupan City, Pangasinan once again recorded the highest heat index at 48ºC, based on Pagasa’s latest computed data as April 26, 5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile in Metro Manila, a peak of 43ºC was recorded in Pasay City, specifically in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) area.

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.

Below is the list of areas that registered a dangerous heat index on Friday:

1. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 48ºC 
2. Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC 
3. CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46ºC
4. Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 46ºC
5. Sinait, Ilocos – 45ºC 
6. Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC 
7. Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
8. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
9. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC  
10. Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
11. Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
12. Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
13. Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC 
14. Iba, Zambales – 43ºC 
15. Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 43ºC 
16. Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC 
17. Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC 
18. Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC 
19. Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC 
20. Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 43ºC 
21. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43ºC
22. Legazpi City, Albay – 43ºC
23. Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
24. Juban, Sorsogon – 43ºC
25. Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
26. Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
27. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43ºC
28. Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 43ºC
29. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43ºC
30. Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC 
31. MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC 
32. ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC 
33. Tayabas City, Quezon – 42ºC 
34. Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
35. Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 42ºC
36. Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
37. Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42ºC
38. La Granja, Carlota, Negros Occidental – 42ºC
39. Dipolog, Zamboanga 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 let  him/her lie 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