By Arabella Balderama

Different areas in the Philippines, over the past few days, have been experiencing  heat indexes that have been reaching the “danger” level, as declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The state weather bureau stated that the heat index is a measure of how much high humidity combined with unusually high temperatures impairs the body’s capacity to cool itself.

On Wednesday, April 24, the highest heat index was recorded in Sangley Point, Cavite, having peaked at 48 degrees celsius.

Other areas recorded the following temperatures:

• NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila: 46°C
• Science Garden, Quezon City: 42°C
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 47°C
• Aparri, Cagayan: 44°C
• Tugegarao City, Cagayan: 44°C
• ISU Echague, Isabela: 44°C
• Iba, Zambales: 42°C
• CLSU Munoz, Nueva Ecija: 44°C
• Baler (Radar), Aurora: 47°C
• Casiguran, Aurora: 43°C
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas: 44°C
• Alabat, Quezon: 42°C
• Coron, Palawan: 43°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 44°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 44°C
• Aborlan, Palawan: 45°C
• Daet, Camarines Norte: 40°C
• Legazpi City, Albay: 45°C
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes: 45°C
• Masbate City, Masbate: 42°C
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
• Roxas City, Capiz: 46°C
• Iloilo City, Iloilo: 43°C
• Dumangas, Iloilo: 43°C
• La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental: 41°C
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 43°C
• Catbalogan, Samar: 41°C
• Tacloban City, Leyte: 43°C
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar: 43°C

(To see the full list, click here.)

“Danger”

Temperatures ranging from 42 to 51 degrees celsius fall under the “danger” category of heat indices.

According to PAGASA, exposure to the heat index under the said classification could cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and worse, heat stroke.

Amid the extreme heat, PAGASA advised the public to continuously hydrate, avoid caffeine, use umbrellas, and wear clothing that could protect against the sun, such as hats and sleeved shirts.

The agency also recommended scheduling outdoor and heavy-duty activities during the cooler periods of the day.

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