‘Dangerous’ heat index to hit 43 areas on Thursday

Children enjoy an afternoon dip and slide at Bustos Dam in Bustos, Bulacan province, on Sunday, April 30, 2023. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-three areas are forecast to reach peak heat indices of or above 42ºC (degrees Celsius) on Thursday, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Based on Pagasa’s latest heat index forecast, the highest peak heat index expected is 47ºC in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

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

Meanwhile, a peak of 43ºC in Metro Manila is forecast at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City.

The lowest expected heat indices remain at Baguio City, Benguet and La Trinidad, Benguet at 27ºC and 28ºC, respectively.

The heat index is the “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, 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 in descending order:

• Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 47ºC
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 46ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 46ºC
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45ºC
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 45ºC
• Aborlan, Palawan – 45ºC
• Cuyo, Palawan – 45ºC
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
• Iloilo City, Iloilo – 45ºC
• Roxas City, Capiz – 45ºC
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 45ºC
• Bacnotan, La union – 44ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
• Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 44ºC
• Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 44ºC
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 44ºC
• Maasin, Southern Leyte – 44ºC
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 44ºC
• Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 43ºC
• Alabat, Quezon – 43ºC
• Coron, Palawan – 43ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
• Mambusao, Capiz – 43ºC
• Siquijor, Siquijor – 43ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 43ºC
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43ºC
• Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
• Calayan, Cagayan – 42ºC
• NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – 42ºC
• Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
• Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42ºC
• Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
• Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
• Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
• Tacloban City, Leyte – 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 protect against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreen.