Metro heat index to hit 37.9°-38.5° Celsius; PAGASA provides tips to avoid heat stroke
Brace for hotter days ahead.
Yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast that Cagayan province’s heat index could reach a maximum 39.2 degrees Celsius by Sunday, while Metro Manila’s heat index will range between 37.9 degrees Celsius and 38.5 degrees Celsius for the next four days.
Tuesday afternoon, Metro Manila recorded its highest air temperature so far this year at 36.3 degrees Celsius, which PAGASA said was the equivalent of a 45.4° Celsius heat index.
PAGASA defines “heat index” as the apparent temperature or what humans feel as the air temperature affects the body. It is higher than air temperature by at least two to three degrees Celsius depending on the amount of humidity present in the atmosphere.
Other recorded heat indices last Tuesday are: Ambulong in Batangas, 44.9° Celsius; Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, 46.7° Celsius; Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, 52.3° Celsius; Clark Airport in Pampanga, 51.9° Celsius; General Santos City in South Cotabato, 44.4° Celsius; Guiuan in Eastern Samar, 44.6° Celsius; Legazpi City in Albay, 44.5° Celsius; Roxas City in Capiz, 44.4° Celsius; and Sangley Point in Cavite, 50.2° Celsius.
With heat indices between 32 to 41 degrees Celsius, PAGASA advised residents to observe extreme caution as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could result to heat stroke.”
PAGASA further warned the public that heat indices between 41 and 54° Celsius may mean impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” to happen and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”
If heat index is over 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”
To prevent heat stroke, PAGASA has these tips for the public:
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
- Wear lightweight and light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect the sun’s energy. Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.
- Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.
- Eat small meals. However, eat more often. Avoid eating foods of high in protein which can increase metabolic heat. (E. de Vera, mb)