‘Dangerous’ heat indexes above 42ºC expected in 30 areas on May 6

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MANILA, Philippines — Thirty areas across the country are expected to register “dangerous” peak indices above 42ºC (degrees Celsius) on Monday, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index forecast, Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Aparri in Cagayan are expected to reach the highest peak heat index at 47 °C (degrees Celsius).

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

Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, the heat index around Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), Pasay City, is forecast to peak at 42ºC.

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

When it ranges from 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa automatically tags it as part of the “danger category,” as it increases the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

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

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 47ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan – 47ºC
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 45ºC
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 45
• Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 44ºC
• Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
• Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 43ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 43ºC
• Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 43ºC
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC
• Cuyo, Palawan – 43ºC
• Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 43ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
• Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
• Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
• Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC
• Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42ºC
• Tacloban City, Leyte – 42ºC
• Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
• Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42ºC

The Department of Health previously said that heat-related illnesses could be avoided by staying hydrated, avoiding sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, wearing loose and light clothes, limiting outdoor activities and wearing protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreen.