35 areas poised to scorch under ‘dangerous’ heat index level on Labor Day

CHARGING TIME Solar panels that power fans are placed outside a house in San Andres, Manila, to recharge, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warns the heat index may rise to extreme danger levels in the coming days in parts of the country. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-five areas are forecast to reach “dangerous” levels of heat indexes on Labor Day, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa defines the heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes to abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index

Wednesday’s highest forecast heat index is at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)- Pili area in Camarines Sur, where 48ºC (degrees Celsius) is expected.

A heat index of 47ºC is also expected in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, a heat index of 43ºC in Metro Manila is forecast in Pasay City, specifically around the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia); and 42ºC in Science Garden Quezon City.

Once it reaches 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa considers it part of the “danger category” as it may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure.

Below is the list of areas forecast to register a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:

• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 48ºC
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 45ºC
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 45ºC
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate – 45ºC
• Casiguran, Aurora – 44ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
• Coron, Palawan – 44ºC
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
• Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
• Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC’
• Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
• Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
• Bacnotan, La Union –  43ºC
• Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
• Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
• Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
• Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
• Tacloban City, Leyte – 43ºC
• Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
• Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
• Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
• Mambusao, Capiz – 42ºC
• Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC

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