Metro Manila, 29 other areas under ‘dangerous’ heat index on Saturday

INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty areas, including Metro Manila, were forecast to have a heat index under the “danger” category on Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Below is the list of areas where heat index ranging from 42 to 47 degrees Celsius will be experienced:

47 degrees Celsius

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan

46 degrees Celsius

• Aparri, Cagayan

45 degrees Celsius

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

44 degrees Celsius

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Iba, Zambales
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Pili, Camarines Sur

43 degrees Celsius

• Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Catarman, Northern Samar
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

42 degrees Celsius

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• Isabela State University in Echague, Isabela
• Casiguran, Aurora
• Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City
• Barangay Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas
• Infanta, Quezon
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Cuyo, Palawan
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Roxas City, Capiz
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao

READ: Southern parts of Mindanao to have rains due to easterlies — Pagasa

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

Heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius fall under the “danger” category.

People exposed to these heat indices are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

To prevent the effects of roasting weather, Pagasa said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, wear hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities on the cooler periods of the day.

READ: 25 areas experience danger level of heat index on Friday, says Pagasa

Pagasa noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

In cases of emergency, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:

• Move the person to a shady spot and lie him or 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