Photo from dagupan.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines — A peak heat index of 51ºC (degrees Celsius) was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan on Monday, with 32 other areas logging “dangerous” level heat indexes, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
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.”
Once it ranges from 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa considers it part of the “danger category,” with higher risk for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure increases.
READ: Pagasa: ‘Extreme danger’ heat levels still to come
Below is the list of areas that registered a heat index of or above 42ºC (degrees Celsius):
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 51ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 47ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 46ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 46ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 46ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
- CLZU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 44ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 44ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
- Basco (Radar), Batanes – 43ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Cubi Pt, Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 43ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 43ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Calayan, Cagayan – 42ºC
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
- Mambusao Capiz – 42ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 42ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index
In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/her down with legs elevated
- If conscious, have them sip cool water
- Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
- Bring to a hospital immediately