FILE PHOTO: Children enjoy a dip in an inflatable pool on Pasong Tirad in Makati City as the weather bureau declared the beginning of the dry season. Officials have also warned about the impact of El Niño on water supply as the heat index continues to rise in different parts of the country. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — A scorching heat index of 50ºC is forecast in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Tuesday, with 46 other areas also expected to reach “dangerous” levels, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
On the other hand, two areas in Metro Manila are expected to peak at 44ºC, specifically, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City and Science Garden Quezon City.
READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index
Regarding the lowest heat indices, Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet are expected to peak at only 25ºC and 27ºC, respectively.
According to Pagasa, the heat index is “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
Once 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:
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 50ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 47ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 46ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 45ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 45ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45ºC
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 45ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 44ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 44ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 44ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
- Mambusao, Capiz – 43ºC
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 43ºC
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43ºC
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 43ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
- Mulanay, Quezon – 42ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC
- Puerto Princesa, Palawan – 42ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 42ºC
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol – 42ºC
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 42ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42ºC
- VSU-Baybay, Leyte – 42ºC
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42ºC
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 42ºC
To avoid heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health has repeatedly reminded the public to stay hydrated, avoid sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, wear loose and light clothes, limit outdoor activities, and protect against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreens.