By Sarwell Meniano/Philippine News Agency
TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has asked residents of Catbalogan City in Samar to stay indoors during midday this dry season as the city’s heat index soared Tuesday to 42.6 degrees Celsius, the highest this year.
The state weather bureau reported that among the six provincial capitals in Eastern Visayas, only Catbalogan registered a heat index above 41 degrees Celsius, considered a “danger” level. The city is among the 14 areas in the country with high heat index recorded on April 9.
Residents of “danger” level areas are likely to experience cramps and heat exhaustion while heat stroke is probable for individuals with continued activity, said PAGASA Tacloban station chief Mario Peñaranda.
“Our advice to the public is to stay indoors as much as possible from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily since the body needs water to keep cool. We expect the heat index to increase due to dry season,” Peñaranda said.
Heat index are human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by eight degrees Celsius.
Other provinces in the region posted a lower heat index such as Borongan City in Eastern Samar (36.2), Catarman in Northern Samar (38.7), Maasin City in Southern Leyte (28.2), and Tacloban City in Leyte (32.7).
Peñaranda said despite the high heat index in Samar province, some parts of Eastern Visayas experience rains due to easterlies.
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