Dangerous heat index expected in 4 areas —PAGASA

Four areas are expected to experience a “danger” level of heat index on Monday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its latest forecast, PAGASA said the following areas may feel the highest heat index in the country:

• Aparri, Cagayan: 43 degrees Celsius
• CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 43°C
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur: 42°C

According to PAGASA, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

Due to this, PAGASA advised the public to watch out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• sweating heavily;
• exhaustion or fatigue;
• dizziness or lightheadedness;
• blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing;
• weak but fast pulse;
• feeling of nausea; and
• vomiting.

Interviewed on Unang Balita, PAGASA's weather specialist Obet Badrina warned that the heat index in the country may get worse this April.

“Lalo na ngayong buwan nga ng Abril na inaasahan natin na mas lalo pang tiitindi 'yung init na nararamdaman sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa,” he said.

(Especially this month of April, we expect that the heat in a large part of our country will intensify even more.)

To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA encouraged the public to limit their time spent outdoors , drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda as well as liquor.

It added that people should use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors, and also schedule their heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it is cooler.

Due to the hot weather, classes have been suspended in the following areas:

• Bacolod City: no face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school, public and private
• Iloilo City: no face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school, public and private, until April 2
• Roxas, Capiz: no face-to-face classes, preschool to senior high school, public and private
• Kabankalan, Negros Occidental: no classes in all levels, public and private
• E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental: no face-to-face classes in all levels, public and private, until April 2
• Tantangan, South Cotabato: half-day classes for April 1 to 15 in all levels, public and private

PAGASA declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon on July 4 last year.

The El Niño phenomenon is characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean leading to below normal rainfall. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News