'Dangerous' heat index up to 47°C expected in 33 areas

Heat index may reach a "danger level" in 33 areas in the country on Friday, according to state bureau PAGASA.

In its latest forecast, PAGASA said the following areas may experience the highest heat index of up to 47°C:

47°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan

46°C

Aparri, Cagayan 

Aborlan, Palawan

45°C

Bacnotan, La Union

Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City

Sangley Point, Cavite 

Coron, Palawan

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

44°C

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Legazpi City, Albay

43°C

NAIA, Pasay City

Sinait, Ilocos Sur

MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte

ISU Echague, Isabela

Iba, Zambales

CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas

CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur

Roxas City, Capiz

Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

42°C

Science Garden, Quezon City

Tayabas City, Quezon

Alabat, Quezon

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes 

Iloilo City, Iloilo

Dumangas, Iloilo

La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental

Malaybalay, Bukidnon

Cotabato City, Maguindanao del Norte

General Santos City, South Cotabato

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

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.

According to PAGASA, 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.

Due to extreme heat, face-to-face classes have been suspended in several areas in the country.

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. 

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. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News