
By Brian Jules Campued
The high heat indices will still be felt in several parts of the country on Friday, May 10, 2024, but may not be as intense as the record-high temperatures monitored in April, according to PAGASA.
As high as 45°C heat index level will be experienced in Virac, Catanduanes.
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, heat indices of 42°C to 44°C are likely in the following parts of the country:
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 44°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
- Guiuian, Eastern Samar – 43°C
- NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Pasay City – 42°C
- Iba, Zambales – 42°C
- CLSU (Central Luzon State University), Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 42°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 42°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
- CBSUA (Central Bicol State University of Agriculture), Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 42°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42°C
According to PAGASA, heat index is the measure of the temperature the human body feels relative to humidity. The ‘danger’ level consists of heat indices between 42°C to 51°C.
The state weather bureau, likewise, warns the public of the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat temperature — such as fatigue, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke — as the hot weather will continue to prevail over most parts of the country in May.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised the public to: limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, as well as liquor; and use protective covers, such as umbrellas or hats.
“It’s important that we know the symptoms — excessive sweating, heat exhaustion, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision until you vomit. It’s a bit alarming when you throw up. That would need immediate actions,” PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said during an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on April 29, 2024. – av