Dangerous heat index to be felt in 9 areas

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

In its forecast, PAGASA said the following areas may feel the highest heat index of up to 46 degrees Celsius today:

• Daet, Camarines Norte: 46°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao: 44°C
• Aparri, Cagayan: 43°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 42°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C
• Aborlan, Palawan: 42°C
• CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
• Roxas City, Capiz: 42°C

PAGASA said 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.

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.

Among the symptoms of heat-related illnesses are sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, weak but fast pulses, feeling of nausea, and vomiting.

If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advised concerned individuals to follow these first aid measures:  

• Move the person to a shaded, cool area, and provide ventilation.
• Remove the person’s outer clothing.
• Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent slow sips of cool water.
• Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately.

On Sunday, the highest heat index in the country was recorded in Daet, Camarines Norte at 46°C.

Due to the expected extreme hot weather, face-to-face classes on Monday have been suspended in some areas in the country. The Department of Education also announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide on Monday, April 8, 2024.

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

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

On March 22, PAGASA declared the start of the warm and dry season in the country.

On July 4 last year, PAGASA declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon. It 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