34 areas log ‘dangerous’ peak heat indices – Pagasa

Stay indoors and hydrate, according to Pagasa, as heat index reached “danger” level in several areas of the country on Thursday, May 2, 2024. File photo / AP Photo/Bullit Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 34 areas across the country registered “dangerous” peak heat indices or above 42ºC (degrees Celsius), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Tuesday.

According to Pagasa, heat index refers to 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 considered part of the “danger category.”

Once it reaches this point, the risk for various heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure increases.

Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index, Maasin, Southern Leyte registered the highest peak heat index on Tuesday at 49ºC.

In Metro Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City logged a peak heat index of 43ºC.

Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index, the following areas registered a heat index of or above 42ºC:

1. Maasin, Southern Leyte – 49ºC
2. Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 47ºC
3. Roxas City, Capiz – 47ºC
4. Catarman, Northern Samar – 46ºC
5. Dumangas, Iloilo – 45ºC
6. Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44
7. Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
8. ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
9. Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
10. Sangley Point, Cavite – 44ºC
11. Alabat, Quezon – 44ºC
12. Cuyo, Palawan – 44ºC
13. Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
14. Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
15. Tacloban City, Leyte – 44ºC
16. Borongan, Eastern Samar – 44ºC
17. Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44º
18. Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 43ºC
19. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC
20. Aborlan, Palawan – 43ºC
21. Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
22. Legazpi City, Albay – 43ºC
23. Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
24. Juban, Sorsogon – 43ºC
25. Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
26. Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
27. Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
28. CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
29. Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
30. Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
31. Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
32. Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC
33. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC
34. Mactan International Airport, Cebu – 42ºC

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

In cases of emergency, Pagasa reminded the public to do the following:

• Move the person to a shady spot and lie him/her down with legs elevated
• If conscious, have them sip cool water
• Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
• Bring to a hospital immediately