Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) – Three areas in Luzon sizzled with 50°C and above heat index on Tuesday, despite a tropical storm affecting the eastern portion of the country.
State weather bureau PAGASA defines heat index as the “apparent” temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.
Dagupan City in Pangasinan recorded the highest heat index level on Tuesday with 51°C. The city holds the highest heat index level this year so far when it reached 53°C last May 14.
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On the other hand, Sangley Point in Cavite and Aparri town in Cagayan province both tallied a high heat index of 50°C.
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The three places hit PAGASA’s “danger” heat index classification, where areas have a heat index of 41°C to 54°C. The weather agency said people can experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, adding that heat stroke is also “probable with continued activity” in these areas.
Meanwhile, 15 other places in the country reached the “danger” heat index level.
Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City registered a 46°C heat index, while Ambulong in Batangas tallied 45°C. Alabat town in Quezon province and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte experienced a heat index of 44°C.
Those places where heat index reached 43°C are Clark Airport in Pampanga, Cubi Point in Subic Bay in Olongapo City, Iba town in Zambales, Itbayat in Batanes, Legazpi City in Albay, and PAGASA Science Garden in Quezon City.
Three places also recorded a 42°C heat index. They are Casiguran town in Aurora province, Infanta town in Quezon, and Sinait town in Ilocos Sur.
Port Area in Manila completes the list of places with “danger” heat index with 41°C.
To deal with such high temperatures, the public is advised to stay indoors as much as possible, PAGASA said. Regular hydration, it added, is highly encouraged, but liquor 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 weather bureau added.
