Heat index hits ‘danger’ levels in 5 Luzon areas
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MANILA, Philippines — Five areas in Luzon experienced a heat index within “danger” levels on Wednesday, according to the latest figures from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), leading to class and work suspensions in at least two places.
Pagasa also predicted that the heat index in most areas nationwide will range from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius for the rest of the week.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, Pagasa said its stations in Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Pili, Camarines Sur, registered a heat index of 42ºC, while Virac, Catanduanes, recorded the highest at 43ºC.
The heat index in San Jose was expected to remain in the “danger” zone at 42 C until Friday, while the rest would be within the “extreme caution” category, ranging from 33ºC to 41ºC.
Meanwhile, Iba, Zambales, which has been hovering in the “extreme caution” category since March 1, is seen to hit a “danger” level of 42ºC on Friday.
As distinguished from the actual temperature, the heat index is based on the apparent temperature, which is what humans perceive as the temperature affecting their bodies. It is measured by combining data of the air temperature and relative humidity.
Health concerns
Pagasa classifies areas under the “danger” category if the heat index falls under 42ºC to 51ºC. The weather bureau said that “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heatstroke is probable with continued exposure” under this level.
Areas fall under “extreme caution” if the heat index ranges from 33ºC to 41ºC. Pagasa warns that “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could lead to heatstroke” under this category.
Areas whose heat index falls within 27ºC to 32ºC are classified under the “caution” category, with the weather bureau noting that “fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity. Continuing activity could [also] lead to heat cramps.”
Preventive measures
Wednesday’s extreme heat led local governments in Cavite and Pili, Camarines Sur, to suspend classes and work.
In a phone interview, Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta said the suspension was a precautionary measure following reports that two students fainted at San Jose Pili National High School on Wednesday morning. Pili is the first municipality in the region to take such measures.
“In a report to me by assistant principal Mrs. Teody Togue, the incident occurred between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., when the extreme temperatures caused two female students, one from Grade 11 and the other from Grade 10, to lose consciousness due to the heat,” Bongalonta said.
The students received immediate attention from school staff and were now in good condition, he added.
Acting municipal administrator Jesus Santiago Sarte advised schools in Pili to immediately implement alternative modes of learning.
In Cavite, Gov. Athena Tolentino announced on Tuesday the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, following high heat index forecasts.
Tolentino advised the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and wear light, breathable clothing.
She also reminded pet owners to provide their animals with clean water and cool environs.
End of ‘amihan’
Pagasa predicts that most areas in the country will continue to experience a heat index within the “extreme caution” category for the rest of the week.
Only four stations will experience a heat index under 33 C over a two-day forecast or until Friday: Itbayat and Basco in Batanes and Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet. The heat index in Calayan, Cagayan, is seen to go down to 31ºC on Thursday, while La Trinidad is expected to have the lowest at 24ºC on Thursday and 22ºC on Friday.
Pagasa earlier reported that the country had been feeling the effects of the easterlies or warm air coming from the Pacific Ocean.
It also projected that the cooling effect of the northeast monsoon (“amihan”) is expected to end within the month. —with reports from Delfin T. Mallari, Jr., Michael B. Jaucian, and Jeanmae Reyes
