A pedestrian uses an umbrella to fend off the heat caused by raising temperature due to the warm weather in this file photo taken on March 29, 2017. The weather bureau said the heat index has been in extreme levels for the past few weeks. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The heat index in Iba, Zambales has reached the “extreme danger” level on Sunday at 53°C, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
According to Ana Liza Solis, officer in charge of Pagasa’s Climatology and Agrometeorology Division, temperature under the “extreme danger” reaches 52°C and above, which may likely cause heatstroke, especially for people exposed directly to sunlight.
Aside from this, 46 other areas reached a heat index of 42 to 51°C, which falls under the “danger” category. Under this level, the heat would likely cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable.
Based on Pagasa’s latest bulletin, CBSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur reached the second highest heat index at 49°C followed by three areas under 47°C, namely, Dagupan City in Pangasinan, CLSU Muñoz in Nueva Ecija, and Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City.
This is followed by six areas under 46°C:
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Aparri, Cagayan
- Baler, Aurora
- Infanta, Quezon
- Coron, Palawan
- Aborlan, Palawan
On the other hand, 16 areas reached 45°C and 44°C:
- Bacnotan, La Union (45°C)
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (45°C)
- ISU Echague, Isabela (45°C)
- Clark Airport, Pampanga (45°C)
- Casiguran, Aurora (45°C)
- Ambulong, Tanuan, Batangas (45°C)
- Virac, Catanduanes (45°C)
- Dumangas, Iloilo (45°C)
- Sangley Point, Cavite (44°C)
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (44°C)
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (44°C)
- Daet, Camarines Norte (44°C)
- Legazpi City, Albay (44°C)
- Roxas City, Capiz (44°C)
- Mambusao, Capiz (44°C)
- Iloilo City, Iloilo (44°C)
Mean below are areas that hit 43°C to 42°C:
- Naia, Pasay City (43°C)
- Science Garden, Quezon City (43°C)
- Sinait, Ilocos Norte (43°C)
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte (43°C)
- NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (43°C)
- Tayabas, Quezon (43°C)
- Alabat, Quezon (43°C)
- Mulanay, Quezon (42°C)
- Romblon, Romblon (43°C)
- Masbate City, Masbate (42°C)
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental (42°C)
- Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C)
- Tacloban City, Leyte (42°C)
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar (43°C)
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte (42°C)
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur (43°C)
- Laguindingan Airport, Misamis Oriental (42°C)
- Davao City, Davao del Sur (42°C)
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao (42°C)
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte (43°C)
Amid the extreme heat, Pagasa advised the public to limit outdoor time.
It also advised the public to drink plenty of water, avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor, use umbrellas, wear hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities during the cooler periods of the day.