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:
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 49ºC
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 47ºC
- Roxas City, Capiz – 47ºC
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 46ºC
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 45ºC
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 44ºC
- Iba, Zambales – 44ºC
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 44ºC
- Alabat, Quezon – 44ºC
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44ºC
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
- Catbalogan, Samar – 44ºC
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 44ºC
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 44ºC
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44º
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 43ºC
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43ºC
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43ºC
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 43ºC
- Legazpi City, Albay – 43ºC
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
- Juban, Sorsogon – 43ºC
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
- Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42ºC
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
- Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas – 42ºC
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 42ºC
- 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