Dangerous heat index forecast in 14 areas on Friday
MANILA, Philippines—Fourteen areas in the country are forecast to experience heat indices under the “danger” category on Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
Metro Manila may expect a 40°C to 41 °C heat index, which falls under the “extreme caution” category. Based on its data as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, Pagasa said the following areas may have dangerous heat indices ranging from 42°C to 44 °C on Friday, June 7:44 °C
- Maasin, Southern Leyte
43 °C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
- Aparri, Cagayan
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
- Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
42 °C
- MMSU in Batac, Ilocos Norte
- Bacnotan, La Union
- CLSU in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
- Casiguran, Aurora
- Virac, Catanduanes
- Roxas City, Capiz
- Catarman, Northern Samar
- Catbalogan, Samar
- Tacloban City, Leyte
Heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51 °C fall under the “danger” category, which makes exposed individuals prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke.
People in areas with heat indices ranging from 33 to 41 °C, considered under the “extreme caution” category, are susceptible to heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
The state weather bureau advised the public to limit time spent outdoors, stay hydrated, avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor, use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and do more strenuous activities during the cooler periods of the day.
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 case of emergency, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:
- Move the person to a shaded area and lie him or her 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, immediately bring him or her to a hospital.
