A woman cools off with a folding hand fan inside a passenger jeepney in Manila on April 25, 2024. Extreme heat is scorching parts of South and Southeast Asia, prompting health warnings from authorities as high temperatures are recorded across the region. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Forty-four areas may face “dangerous” levels of peak heat indices above 42ºC (degrees Celsius) on Wednesday, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Based on Pagasa’s latest heat index forecast, three areas, namely Virac (Synop), Catanduanes; Roxas City, Capiz; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, are expected to log the highest peak index at 46ºC.
READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index
In Metro Manila, a peak of 43ºC is forecast at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City and Science Garden Quezon City.
The heat index is the “measure of the contribution that high humidity makes to abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”
Once it ranges from 42ºC to 51ºC, the state weather bureau 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:
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 46ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 46ºC
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 46ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 45ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 45ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 45ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
- Cuto, Palawan – 44ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44ºC
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 44ºC
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 44ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 43ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC
- Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43ºC
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 43ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43ºC
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
- Calayan, Cagayan – 42ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
- Mulanay, Quezon – 42ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42ºC
- VSU-Baybay, Leyte – 42ºC
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
To avoid heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health has repeatedly reminded the public to stay hydrated and avoid sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks. Wear loose and light clothes, limit outdoor activities and wear protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreen.