INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The municipality of Guiuan in Eastern Samar is forecast to hit an “extreme danger” level heat index of 53ºC (degrees Celsius) for the fourth consecutive day on Wednesday, along with 36 other areas expected to reach “danger” level heat indices.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), a heat index beyond 52ºC is automatically tagged as part of the “extreme danger” classification as heat stroke at this point is already imminent.
Guiuan first registered a peak heat index of 55ºC on Sunday and then again recorded extremely dangerous indices on Monday and Tuesday at 54ºC and 55ºC, respectively.
READ: Extremely dangerous 55 °C heat index hits Guiuan, Eastern Samar anew
Meanwhile, other areas, such as Metro Manila, are expected to hit “danger” level (42ºC to 51ºC) heat indices, including Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City, forecast to reach 42ºC.
Below is the list of areas forecast to record a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 53ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 45ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 45ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44ºC
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 44ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 44ºC
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 44ºC
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43ºC
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 43ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43ºC
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 43ºC
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 43ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- Bacnotan, La Union – 42ºC
- NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – 42ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC
- Infanta, Quezon – 42ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42ºC
- Romblon, Romblon – 42ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42ºC
- Juban, Sorsogon – 42ºC
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42ºC
- Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental – 42ºC
- Panglao International Airport, Bohol – 42ºC
- Mactan International Airport, Cebu – 42ºC
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 42ºC
- READ: DOH warns heat can kill; 7 dead since January
The Department of Health previously advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks. Wear loose and light clothes, limit outdoor activities, and use protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas, and sunscreen, to avoid heat-related illnesses.