By Brian Jules Campued
Heat index in at least 40 areas in the country may reach “danger level” on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The highest is at 47°C in Dagupan City, Pangasinan while Virac, Catanduanes and Pili, Camarines Sur will experience 46°C heat index.
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Monday, heat index levels between 42°C to 45°C are likely in the following parts of the country:
- Roxas City, Capiz – 45°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 45°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 45°C
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 45°C
- Laoag, Ilocos Norte – 44°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 44°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 43°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 43°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 43°C
- Science Garden, Quezon City – 42°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
- Iba, Zambales – 42°C
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42°C
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 42°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 42°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 42°C
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42°C
- Surigao City, Surigao 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 aired on PTV-4. – av