By Brian Jules Campued
At least 37 areas across the country may experience “dangerous” heat index levels on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The state weather bureau said Dagupan City in Pangasinan is forecast to hit 46°C while a heat index of 45°C may be experienced in Clark in Pampanga, Cuyo in Palawan, and Virac in Catanduanes.
Meanwhile, heat indices in the following areas may reach 42°C to 44°C:
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 44°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 44°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
- NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Pasay City – 43°C
- Iba, Zambales – 43°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
- CBSUA (Central Bicol State University of Agriculture), Pili, Camarines Sur – 43°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 42°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
- Laoag, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- MMSU (Mariano Marcos State University), Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- ISU (Isabela State University), Echague, Isabela – 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
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Coron, Palawan, 42°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42°C
- Butuan City, Agusan 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.
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. – avds
