Dangerous heat index forecast in 34 areas on Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines—Thirty-four areas in the country, including Metro Manila, may experience heat indices under the “danger” category on Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned.

Below is the list of places where heat indices ranging from 42 to 47 °C were predicted:

47 °C

• Virac, Catanduanes
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar
• Maasin, Southern Leyte

45 °C

• Masbate City, Masbate
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Catarman, Northern Samar

44 °C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• Bacnotan, La Union
• ISU in Echague, Isabela
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Catbalogan, Samar
• Tacloban City, Leyte
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Peninsula

43 °C

• Iba, Zambales
• Alabat, Quezon
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• Legazpi City, Albay
• Juban, Sorsogon
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

42 °C

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Baler, Aurora
• Casiguran, Aurora
• Sangley Point, Cavite
• Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Cuyo, Palawan
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

The US National Weather Service said the heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. 

This is an important consideration for the human body’s comfort.  When the body gets too hot, it perspires or sweats to cool itself off.

Heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 °C fall under the “danger” category, and people exposed to these are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

To prevent the ill effects of intense heat, the state weather bureau said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas and hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors, and schedule strenuous activities on the cooler periods of the day.

It also noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, passing out or feeling dizzy when standing with a weak but rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

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

• Move the person to a shaded area and lie down with legs elevated.
• If conscious, have the person sip cool water.
• Remove extra layers of clothing.
• Apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• If the person’s condition worsens, bring him or her to the hospital immediately.