Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 16) – About 20 areas in the country recorded on Sunday a heat index of 41°C and above, according to the state weather bureau.
PAGASA defines heat index as the “apparent” temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.
It classifies an area with a heat index of 41°C to 54°C in the “danger” level, where people can experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It said heat stroke is also “probable with continued activity.”
Dagupan City in Pangasinan, which logged the year’s record-high 53°C heat index last May 14, had the highest heat index again on Sunday with 49°C.
Sangley Point in Cavite recorded the second highest heat index with 46°C, followed by San Jose in Occidental Mindoro and Aparri in Cagayan, which both registered a 45°C heat index.
Ambulong, Batangas and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte both logged a 44°C heat index while Cotabato City and Masbate City tallied a 43°C heat index.
Areas which recorded a 42°C heat index are Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte, El Salvador City in Misamis Occidental, Iba town in Zambales, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
At least eight places in the country tallied a 41°C heat index, including Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, Casiguran in Aurora, Clark Airport in Pampanga, Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Davao City, Roxas City in Capiz, Zamboanga City, and PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City.
To deal with such high temperatures, the public is advised to stay indoors as much as possible. Regular hydration is highly encouraged, as the body needs water to remain cool. Liquor, meanwhile, is discouraged during heat emergencies as alcohol dehydrates the body.
Individuals must also eat small but more often, PAGASA said, while avoiding high-protein foods as they increase metabolic heat.
Should one need to go outdoors, wear lightweight clothing with light colors as they reflect the sun’s energy, the agency added.
