By Brian Jules Campued
Heat index in at least 40 areas in the country are forecast to hit “danger level” on Thursday, May 16, 2024, with as high as 46°C may be experienced in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Pili, Camarines Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Based on the bulletin from the state weather bureau as of 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, heat index levels of 42°C to 45°C are likely to be experienced in the following parts of the country:
- Bacnotan, LA Union – 45°C
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 45°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 44°C
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44°C
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 43°C
- Laoag, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
- MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
- Aparri, Cagayan – 43°C
- Iba, Zambales – 43°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 43°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 43°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 43°C
- Tacloban City, Leyte – 43°C
- Borongan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 43°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 42°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 42°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 42°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 42°C
- Coron, Palawan – 42°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 42°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
- Siquijor, Siquijor – 42°C
- Catbalogan – 42°C
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 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.
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. – av