By Brian Jules Campued
Heat index in at least 39 areas in the country may reach “danger level” on Thursday, May 2, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The highest is at 48°C in Pili, Camarines Sur while Dagupan City, Pangasinan will experience 47°C heat index.
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, heat indices of 42°C to 46°C are likely in the following parts of the country:
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 46°C
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 45°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 44°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 44°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 44°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
- NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila – 43°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43°C
- Iba, Zambales – 43°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 43°C
- Coron, Palawan – 43°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 43°C
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 43°C
- La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental – 43°C
- Science Garden Quezon City, Metro Manila – 42°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42°C
- MMSU (Mariano Marcos State University) Batac, Ilocos Norte – 42°C
- ISU (Isabela State University) Echague, Isabela – 42°C
- Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 42°C
- CLSU (Central Luzon State University) Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 42°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 42°C
- Ambulong, Tanuan, Batangas – 42°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 42°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 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 Monday. – avds