Stay indoors and hydrate, according to Pagasa, as heat index in most areas in the country reaching “danger” level on Thursday, May 23, 2024. File photo / AP /Bullit Marquez
MANILA, Philippines — Forty-one areas in the country experienced heat indices ranging from 42 to 47 °C on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Below is the list of areas where dangerous heat indices were recorded:
47 °C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Aparri, Cagayan
- Virac, Catanduanes
46 °C
- Mambusao, Capiz
- Iloilo City, Iloilo
- Catarman, Northern Samar
45 °C
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan
- CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur
- Roxas City, Capiz
- Dumangas, Iloilo
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar
- Zamboanga City
44 °C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur
- MMSU in Batac, Ilocos Norte
- Bacnotan, La Union
- Infanta, Quezon
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
- Legazpi City, Albay
- Masbate City, Masbate
- La Ganja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
- Catbalogan, Samar
- Tacloban City, Leyte
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
43 °C
- Baler, Aurora
- Casiguran, Aurora
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
- Aborlan, Palawan
- Cuyo, Palawan
- Daet, Camarines Norte
- Maasin, Southern Leyte
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
42 °C
- Calayan, Cagayan
- Iba, Zambales
- CLSU in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
- Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City
- Sangley Point, Cavite
- Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas
- Juban, Sorsogon
- Davao City, Davao del Sur
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao
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According to Pagasa, 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.”
Heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius fall under the “danger” category, and people exposed to these heat indices are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.
To prevent the effects of roasting weather, the state weather bureau said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, wear hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities on the cooler periods of the day.
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It also noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.
In cases of emergency, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:
- Transfer the person to a shady spot and lie him or her down with legs elevated
- If conscious, have the person sip cool water
- Remove outer layers of clothing
- Apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
- If the condition of the person worsens, bring him or her to a hospital immediately