Heat index to hit 42°C to 45°C in 37 areas on May 17, says Pagasa

The heat index is seen to reach 42 to 45 degrees Celsius in 37 areas nationwide on Friday, May 17, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).  INQUIRER.net Stock Photo

MANILA, Philippines — Heat index is seen to reach 42 to 45 degrees Celsius in 37 areas nationwide on Friday, May 17.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a 45-degree Celsius heat may be expected in Dagupan City in Pangasinan; Sangley Point, Cavite; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Hot weather of up to 44 degrees Celsius is likely in Bacnotan, La Union; Roxas City, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte while 43 degrees Celsius could be anticipated in Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; ISU Echague, Isabela; Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga; Baler (Radar), Aurora; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Virac (Synop), Catanduanes; Guiuan, Eastern Samar; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao, the state weather agency added.

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

Pagasa further said that sweltering temperatures will peak at 42 degrees Celsius on Friday in the Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte; Aparri, Cagayan; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Iba, Zambales; CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Casiguran, Aurora;  Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas; Infanta, Quezon;

Alabat, Quezon; Daet, Camarines Norte; Masbate City, Masbate; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur; Catarman, Northern Samar; Catbalogan, Samar; Davao City, Davao del Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

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.”

READ: Pagasa: ‘Extreme danger’ heat levels still to come

Once it ranges from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, Pagasa automatically tags it under the “danger category” as it increases the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health advises staying hydrated, avoiding sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, wearing loose and light clothes, limiting outdoor activities and using protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreen.

On the other hand, the state weather service said the lowest heat indices will be experienced in Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet at a peak of 25 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively, on Friday.