By Brian Jules Campued
Some 38 areas across the country will continue to experience “dangerous” heat index levels on Saturday, May 18, 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The state weather bureau said Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Aparri in Cagayan, Dumangas in Iloilo, and Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur are forecast to hit 45°C.
Meanwhile, heat indices in the following areas may reach 42°C to 44°C:
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 44°C
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
- Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44°C
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 44°C
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 44°C
- NAIA, Pasay City – 43°C
- Bacnotan, La Union – 43°C
- Iba, Zambales – 43°C
- CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 43°C
- Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43°C
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43°C
- Alabat, Quezon – 43°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43°C
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 42°C
- ISU Echague, Isabela – 42°C
- Casiguran, Aurora – 42°C
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 42°C
- Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
- Mulanay, Quezon – 42°C
- Aborlan, Palawan – 42°C
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42°C
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42°C
- Masbate City, Masbate – 42°C
- Juban, Sorsogon – 42°C
- CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 42°C
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 42°C
- CMU Agromet, Musuan, Bukidnon – 42°C
- Davao City, Davao del Sur – 42°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 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.
For those who might experience symptoms of heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health (DOH) said the individual should immediately take shelter under roofed buildings or places that may provide shade away from the sun; remove thick pieces of clothing; use cold compress; slowly drink cold water; and seek medical assistance.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised the public to limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; wear light clothing; and use protective covers, such as umbrellas or hats.
Meanwhile, based on a 24-hour weather forecast issued by PAGASA as of 4 p.m. on Friday, the shear line will be affecting the extreme northern Luzon area while the easterlies will affect the rest of the country on Saturday.
The province of Batanes will experience cloud skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the shear line.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies. – avds
