Dangerous heat index seen in 30 areas on May 3

Thirty areas in the country will have a heat index within the danger level on Friday, May 3, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday.

Based on its forecast issued at 5 p.m. Thursday, the following areas will have a heat index ranging from 42°C to 47°C:

47°C
—Dagupan City, Pangasinan
—Aparri, Cagayan

45°C
—Roxas City, Capiz

44°C
—Laoag City, llocos Norte
—Iba, Zambales
—Cuyo, Palawan
—Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
—CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
—Dumangas, Iloilo
—Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur

43°C
— Bacnotan, La Union
 —Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
—Casiguran, Aurora
—San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
—Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
—Aborlan, Palawan

42°C

—MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
—Baler (Radar), Aurora
—Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City
—Infanta, Quezon
—Coron, Palawan
—Daet, Camarines Norte
—Legazpi City, Albay
—Masbate City, Masbate
—Mambusao, Capiz
—Iloilo City, Iloilo
—La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental
—Catarman, Northern Samar
—Catbalogan, Western Samar
—Cotabato City, Maguindanao

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 and the air temperature.

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

To prevent heat-related illnesses, the Department of Health 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.  — VBL, GMA Integrated News