Dangerous heat index in 25 areas on Wednesday – Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines —  The heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, reached a dangerous and scorching 48 °C on Thursday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

Meanwhile, 24 other areas likewise logged a dangerous heat index ranging from 42 to 46 °C on the same day:

46°C

• Aparri, Cagayan
• Roxas City, Capiz

45°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes

44°C

• Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Olongapo City
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Cuyo, Palawan
• Catarman, Northern Samar

43°C

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Iba, Zambales
• Clark International Airport, Pampanga
• Central Luzon State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
• Aborlan, Pawalan
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar

42°C

• Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Pasay City
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Baler (Radar), Aurora
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Mambusao, Capiz
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

Pagasa defines heat index as “a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.”

Heat indices ranging from 42°C to 51°C  fall under the danger category.

People exposed to these heat indices are prone to heat cramps, exhaustion, and even heat stroke with drawn-out exposure.

Pagasa advised the public to limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, hats, and wear sleeved clothing outdoors and schedule strenuous activities on the cooler periods of the day.

Pagasa noted that symptoms of heat-related illnesses include heavy sweating, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, a weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

READ: PH may experience similar warm dry months next year, says Pagasa

In case of heat-related emergencies, Pagasa advised the public to do the following:

• Move the person to a shaded area and lie him or her down with legs elevated
• If conscious, have them sip cool water
• Remove extra layers of clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
• Bring to hospital immediately