Dangerous heat index expected in 6 areas

Heat index in six areas in the country may reach dangerous level on Tuesday, according to monitoring by state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its 5 p.m. forecast on Monday, PAGASA said the following areas are expected to experience the highest heat index in the country of up to 44°C:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 44°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 43°C
• Aborlan, Palawan: 43°C
• Bacnotan, La Union: 42°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42°C
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur: 42°C

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

In areas experiencing dangerous level heat index, which is from 42°C to 51°C, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include 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 Monday, the highest heat index was recorded in Dagupan City, Pangasinan and Bacnotan, La Union at 44°C.

Due to the expected extreme hot weather, face-to-face classes in the past days were suspended in some areas in the country. 

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the DOH advised the public to limit 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, which 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/KBK, GMA Integrated News