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:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 48ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 46ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos – 45ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 43ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 43ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 43ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
- Juban, Sorsogon – 43ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43ºC
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 43ºC
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
- Tayabas City, Quezon – 42ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 42ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42ºC
- La Granja, Carlota, Negros Occidental – 42ºC
- 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