PAGASA warns of ‘dangerous’ heat index on 18 areas on Holy Wednesday

Metro Manila, Philippines - Eighteen areas have been alerted of “dangerous” heat index on Wednesday, April 16, including Los Baños town in Laguna, which was forecasted to experience 50 degrees Celsius anew.

Los Baños sizzled to a heat index of 50 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the highest so far this year, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The “danger” level in PAGASA’s heat index scale ranges from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius, which could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Prolonged exposure to heat could result in heat stroke.

For Wednesday’s forecast, PAGASA said San Ildefonso in Bulacan may also have a “feels-like temperature” of 47 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, following the 48 degrees Celsius the day prior.

Heat index of 42 degrees Celsius to 44 degrees Celsius is expected over the following stations:

44 degrees Celsius

+ Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City

+ Sangley Point, Cavite City

+ Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas

43 degrees Celsius

+ ISU Echague, Isabela

+ Baler (Radar) Aurora

+ Catarman, Northern Samar

42 degrees Celsius

+ NAIA, Pasay City

+ Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

+ Iba, Zambales

+ Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga

+ Coron, Palawan

+ San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

+ CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur

+ Roxas City, Capiz

+ Iloilo City, Iloilo

+ Dumangas, Iloilo

Health officials said extreme heat may cause fatigue, cramps, and stroke.

They advised the public to drink water regularly, limit outdoor activities, and use or apply sun protection.