Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — The heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan was at “danger level” after reaching 50 degrees Celsius at 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical, Services Administration said.
PAGASA defines heat index as “human discomfort index that gives the apparent temperature on what humans perceive or feel as the temperature (from the surroundings) affecting the body.”
Areas with heat index between 42 degrees to 51 degrees Celsius are considered at “danger level.”
The following areas also had heat index above 41 degrees Celsius on April 30:
— Aparri, Cagayan – 46ºC at 5 p.m.
— Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 44ºC at 2 p.m.
— Casiguran, Aurora – 42ºC at 2 p.m.
— Masbate City, Masbate – 42ºC at 1 p.m.
— NAIA, Pasay City- 42ºC at 1 p.m.
From March 1 to April 30, the highest heat index was also recorded in Dagupan City at 54ºC on April 22 at 2 p.m., PAGASA said.
PAGASA cautioned that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely to happen, and heat stroke is probable when living in areas with heat index in the danger zone.
The state weather bureau has advised to limit time spent outside, drink lots of water, use umbrellas when outdoors, and schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the days, when it is cooler.
