Philippine Independence Day on Friday may be a sizzling one as a heat index of nearly 40 degrees Celsius is forecast in parts of the country.
The heat index or the actual feel in one’s body, may reach up to 39.9 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao City, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
In Metro Manila, a heat index of up to 38.8 degrees Celsius is expected.
In Iloilo, where President Benigno Aquino III will lead the Independence Day ceremonies, a heat index of 39 degrees Celsius is forecast.
READ: Aquino to lead Independence Day rites in Iloilo
In other cities, the heat index forecasts are:
Laoag City — 37.7 degrees Celsius
Baguio City — 22.1 degrees Celsius
SBMA — 37.2 degrees Celsius
Legaspi City— 38.1 degrees Celsius
Puerto Princesa City — 37.6 degrees Celsius
Bacolod — 39 degrees Celsius
Metro Cebu — 37.8 degrees Celsius
Tacloban — 36.4 degrees Celsius
Cagayan de Oro — 35.4 Celsius
Metro Davao — 36.9 degrees Celsius
Zamboanga City — 35.8 degrees Celsius
A heat index of 32 to 41 degrees Celsius is categorized under “Extreme Caution.”
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible and continuing activity could result in heat stroke under “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 of high in protein which can increase metabolic heat,” Pagasa said.
Drinking liquor should also be avoided as it dehydrates the body. IDL