No chill: Heat index still near danger levels this weekend

Heat index in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon will continue to be near danger levels and remain within the 39- to 40-degrees Celsius range over the weekend.

The heat index in Metro Manila is forecast at 40.2 degrees Celsius on Friday, 40.1 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 39.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

READ: Too hot for you? Heat index hits 41 Celsius in Metro Manila | Pagasa: Sizzling Metro weekend ahead; heat index at danger level

In Tuguegarao City, the heat index was estimated to to be 40.6 degrees Celsius on Friday, 40.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 40.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

A heat index of 24.6, 25.2 and 23.8 degrees Celsius is forecast in Baguio for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Most parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will have a heat index between 35 to 38 degrees Celsius.

The heat index is the actual feel of the temperature in one’s body. It is the human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their bodies.

A heat index of 32 to 41 degrees Celsius is categorized under “Extreme Caution.” The danger levels are between 41 to 54 degrees Celsius.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and continuing activity could result in heat stroke under the “Extreme Caution” category.

Pagasa advises the public to stay indoors, and if there is no air-conditioning available, they should stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

The public is also advised to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing; drink plenty of water; and eat small meals and often.

“Avoid eating foods high in protein which can increase metabolic heat,” Pagasa said.

Drinking liquor should also be avoided as it dehydrates the body. IDL