Dangerous heat index grips 20 areas on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty areas in the country experienced a heat index under the “danger” category on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Based on the computed heat index data as of 5:00 p.m., heat indices ranging from 42°C to 47 °C were logged in the following places:

47°C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan

46°C

• Guiuan, Eastern Samar

45°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Bacnotan, La Union
• Aparri, Cagayan
• Iba, Zambales
• Alabat, Quezon
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Roxas City, Capiz

44°C

• Cuyo, Palawan
• Dumangas, Iloilo

43°C

• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Aborlan, Palawan
• Legazpi City, Albay

42°C

• Central Luzon State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
• Baler (Radar), Aurora
• Ambulong in Tanauan, Batangas
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur

Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

Heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius fall under the “danger” category.

People exposed to these heat indices are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

To prevent the effects of roasting weather, Pagasa said the public must limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, wear hats,  sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule strenuous activities on the cooler periods of the day.

Pagasa noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

In cases 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 them 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
• Bring to hospital immediately