PAGASA: 30 areas under 'dangerous' heat index on April 26

At least 30 different areas will be under the "dangerous" heat index on April 26, Friday, according to the 5 p.m. heat index forecast of PAGASA on Thursday.

Based on the latest heat index, the following areas will experience temperatures in the range of 42°C to 47°C:

42°C

• Science Garden, Quezon City
• Tayabas City, Quezon
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Alabat, Quezon
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Malaybalay, Bukidnon
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte

43°C

• NAIA, Pasay City
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
• ISU Echague, Isabela
• Iba, Zambales
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

44°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Coron, Palawan
• Legazpi City, Albay

45°C

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
• Sangley Point, Cavite

46°C

• Aparri, Cagayan
• Aborlan, Palawan

47°C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan

The lowest heat index prediction was recorded for both Baguio City, Benguet and BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet with 29°C.

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.

Based on PAGASA classification, heat indices reaching 42°C to 51°C are under “dangerous” level, which may cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

First aid measures
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
• 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. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News