Dangerous heat index expected in 30 areas on May 6

The heat index in 30 areas in the country may hit the "danger" level on Monday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

In its forecast as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, PAGASA said the following areas may feel the highest heat index of up to 47°C:

47°C

• Dagupan City, Pangasinan
• Aparri, Cagayan

45°C

• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
• CBSUA, Pili, Camarines Sur
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar

44°C

• Bacnotan, La Union
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Catbalogan, Samar

43°C

• ISU Echague, Isabela
• Sangley Point, Cavite
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• Cuyo, Palawan
• Daet, Camarines Norte
• Dumangas, Iloilo
• Catarman, Northern Samar

42°C

• NAIA Pasay City, Metro Manila
• Sinait, Ilocos Sur
• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Baler (Radar), Aurora
• Casiguran, Aurora
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City
• Masbate City, Masbate
• Iloilo City, Iloilo
• Tacloban City, Leyte
• Borongan, Eastern Samar
• Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

Meanwhile, Science Garden in Quezon City will have a heat index of 41°C, classified as under "extreme caution".

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 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

The highest recorded heat index reported in the country was 53°C in Iba, Zambales on April 28. In Metro Manila, the highest recorded heat index was 46°C in NAIA, Pasay City on April 24.

If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the following 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, PAGASA 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.

PAGASA on March 22 declared the start of the warm and dry season in the country and the start of the El Niño phenomenon on July 4 last year.

Since 2023, the United Nations has warned the public of “global boiling.”

“The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in June 2023. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News