MANILA, Philippines — The heat index soared to 48ºC in Dagupan City, Pangasinan and 45ºC in Pasay City, while 32 other areas logged a lower but likewise dangerous heat index, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index nationwide as of 5:00 p.m., the 45ºC heat index was recorded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.
Meanwhile, a peak hit index of 42ºC was also recorded at Science Garden in Quezon City.
Several other areas also registered a peak heat index of 47ºC such as Aparri, Cagayan; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur and Tacloban City, Leyte.
The US National Weather Service defines heat index as the apparent temperature, or “what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.”
A heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC is under the danger category, posing higher risk for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
Below is the list of areas that registered a heat index of or above 42ºC on Tuesday:
Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 48ºC
Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 47ºC
Tacloban City, Leyte – 47ºC
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 46ºC
Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 46ºC
Masbate City, Masbate – 46ºC
Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 45ºC
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45ºC
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
Casiguran, Aurora – 44ºC
Daet, Camarines Norte – 44ºC
Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
Catarman, Northern Samar – 44ºC
MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43ºC
Aborlan, Palawan – 43ºC
La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
Bacnotan, La Union – 42ºC
Calayan, Cagayan – 42ºC
ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
Mambusao, Capiz – 42ºC
Siquijor, Siquijor – 42ºC
Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42ºC
In case of heat related medical emergencies, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shaded area spot 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