Heat index in 17 areas seen to hit dangerous highs

Heat index is expected to rise to dangerous levels in 17 areas on Wednesday, according to data from state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its forecast, PAGASA said the following areas are expected to experience heat indexes ranging from 42°C to 44°C on April 17, 2024:

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan (44°C)
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (44°C)
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (44°C)
• Aborlan, Palawan (44°C)
• Bacnotan, La Union (43°C)
• Sangley Point, Cavite (43°C) 
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur (43°C)
• Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C)
• Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C)
• Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C)
• Aparri, Cagayan (42°C)
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C)
• ISU Echague, Isabela (42°C)
• Cubi Pt, Subic Bay Olongapo City (42°C)
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C)
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes (42°C)
• Tacloban City, Leyte (42°C)

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

Dangerous level heat index is from 42°C to 51°C, where heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

PAGASA advises the public to prevent heat-related illnesses by doing the following:

• Limit the time spent outdoors
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor
• Wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors
• Schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it's cooler.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier advised the following first aid measures for individuals experiencing heat stroke symptoms:

• 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
• Further, the DOH advised the public to limit time spent outdoors and drink plenty of water. Tea, coffee, soda, and liquor should be avoided, the DOH said, to prevent heat-related illnesses

The DOH also advised the public to limit time spent outdoors and drink plenty of water. Tea, coffee, soda, and liquor should be avoided, the DOH said, to prevent heat-related illnesses.

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.

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

The weather bureau earlier said the country's heat index would peak in April and May this year. —KBK, GMA Integrated News