Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — The Philippines is currently experiencing scorching heat, with the state weather bureau logging on April 21 the highest computed heat index this year at 48 degrees Celsius — almost half of the boiling point of water.
Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte got the highest heat index this year followed by Legazpi City, Albay and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro with 47 °C.
But what is the heat index and why does it matter?
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) defined the heat index as the \”measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body’s ability to cool itself.\”
It is the discomfort that your body feels when relative humidity, combined with the air temperature increases.
According to the National Weather Service, when the body temperature gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. But the body will not be able to regulate its temperature if perspiration does not evaporate quickly.
Humid conditions make sweating and evaporation less efficient. In other words, the heat index can be tolerable if the relative humidity is low.
Here’s the Heat Index Chart as provided by the local state bureau:
https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate/climate-heat-index
27 to 32 °C – Caution
-Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity.
– Continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.
33 to 41 °C – Extreme Caution
-Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
– Continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.
42 to 51 °C – Danger
– Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely to occur.
– Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
52 °C and beyond – Extreme danger
– Heat stroke is imminent.
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