‘Dangerous level’ heat index to hit 37 areas on Tuesday

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MANILA, Philippines — “Dangerous” peak indexes above 42ºC (degrees Celsius) are forecast in 37 areas on Tuesday, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Based on Pagasa’s latest computed heat index forecast, Dagupan City in Pangasinan is expected to record the highest heat index at 46ºC once again.

READ: Red Cross reminds public to stay hydrated amid high heat index

Meanwhile, the heat index in Metro Manila is expected to peak at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), Pasay City, at 43ºC.

According to Pagasa, the heat index is “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes [to] abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

When it ranges from 42ºC to 51ºC, Pagasa automatically tags it as part of the “danger category,” as it increases the risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.

Regarding the lowest heat indexes, Baguio City and La Trinidad in Benguet are expected to peak at only 29ºC and 28ºC, respectively.

Below is the list of areas forecast to record a heat index of or above 42ºC in descending order:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 46ºC
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 45ºC
• Cuyo, Palawan – 45ºC
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45ºC
• Bacnotan, La Union – 44ºC
• Aparri, Cagayan – 44ºC
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44ºC
• Baler (Radar), Aurora – 44ºC
• Casiguran, Aurora – 44ºC
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44ºC
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44ºC
• Roxas City, Capiz – 44ºC
• Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar – 44ºC
• Naia Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43ºC
• Iba, Zambales – 43ºC
• Aborlan, Palawan – 43ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate – 43ºC
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 43ºC
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43ºC
• Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42ºC
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42ºC
• Laoag City Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela – 42ºC
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42ºC
• Cubi Pt. Subic Bay Olongapo City – 42ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite – 42ºC
• Alabat, Quezon – 42ºC
• Coron, Palawan – 42ºC
• Dumangas, Iloilo – 42ºC
• Catbalogan, Samar – 42ºC
• Tacloban City, Leyte – 42ºC
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42ºC
• Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42ºC
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42ºC
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 42ºC

Heat-related illnesses can be avoided by staying hydrated, avoiding sodas, iced tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks, wearing loose and light clothes, limiting outdoor activities and wearing protection against the sun, such as caps, umbrellas and sunscreen.