Pagasa says 37 areas to feel ‘dangerous’ hot weather on May 24

MANILA, Philippines — Despite an approaching Tropical Depression Aghon, “dangerous” peak heat indices will be experienced in 37 areas nationwide on Friday, May 24, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Based on the state weather agency’s latest heat index forecast, six of the 37 are expected to hit the highest peak heat index at 46℃ (degrees Celsius): Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Aparri, Cagayan; Cuyo, Palawan; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; and Iloilo City, Iloilo.

It also indicated that 42ºC temperatures will be felt in Metro Manila, specifically at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City.

READ: Signal No. 1 in 4 areas as Tropical Depression Aghon nears

Pagasa defines heat index as the “measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

A heat index ranging from 42ºC to 51ºC is automatically considered part of the “danger category,” as it increases the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke, according to Pagasa.

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

Below is the list of areas anticipated to experience a peak heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:

1. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 46ºC
2. Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC
3. Cuyo, Palawan – 46ºC
4. Roxas City, Capiz – 46ºC
5. Mambusao, Capiz – 46ºC
6. Iloilo City, Iloilo – 46ºC
7. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 45ºC
8. Dumangas, Iloilo – 45ºC
9. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 45ºC
10. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44ºC
11. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44ºC
12. Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
13. Aborlan, Palawan – 44ºC
14. La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 44ºC
15. Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 44ºC
16. Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43ºC
17. MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43ºC
18. Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43ºC
19. Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
20. Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 43ºC
21. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43ºC
22. Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
23. ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
24. Iba, Zambales – 42ºC
25. CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
26. Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
27. Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
28. Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC
29. Infanta, Quezon – 42ºC
30. Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
31. Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
32. Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
33. Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 42ºC
34. CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42ºC
35. Siquijor, Siquijor – 42ºC
36. Catarman, Northern Samar – 42ºC
37. Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42ºC

To avoid heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health has repeatedly reminded the public to stay hydrated but 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.