MANILA: Fifteen areas across the country, including Metro Manila, are forecast to reach the ‘danger’ level of the heat index on Maundy Thursday, the state weather bureau warned.
The heat index measures the level of discomfort an average person experiences due to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The following areas are predicted to experience heat indices ranging from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, which PAGASA tagged within the “danger” level:
Pasay City – 42°C
Iba, Zambales – 42°C
Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
Sangley Point, Cavite – 43°C
Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
Coron, Palawan – 43°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 45°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 45°C
Masbate City – 42°C
Pili, Camarines Sur – 44°C
Roxas City, Capiz – 44°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 42°C
Cotabato City, Maguindanao – 42°C
The state weather bureau warned peopl
e in these areas to exercise caution as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with prolonged exposure to the heat.
The scorching hot temperature will continue as 17 areas are predicted by PAGASA to sizzle into the danger heat index level on Good Friday. These are:
Pasay City – 43°C
Quezon City – 42°C
Iba, Zambales – 43°C
Clark, Pampanga – 42°C
Subic bay, Olongapo City – 42°C
Sangley Point, Cavite – 44°C
Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 42°C
Mulanay, Quezon – 42°C
Coron, Palawan – 43°C
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 45°C
Aborlan, Palawan – 45°C
Pili, Camarines Sur – 44°C
Roxas City, Capiz – 45°C
Mambusao, Capiz – 42°C
Iloilo City, Iloilo – 44°C
Dumangas, Iloilo – 43°C
According to PAGASA, symptoms of heat-related illnesses include sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, weak but fast pulse, feeling nauseous, and vomiting.
To avoid these, people ar
e advised to limit time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities in the morning or at night when it is cooler.
In case of emergency, PAGASA advised that an individual experiencing any of the symptoms be moved to a shady spot and made to lie with legs elevated. If conscious, have the person sip cool water. Clothing should be removed and cool water should be applied on the skin and provide ventilation. Ice packs may also be applied on the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin area.
Rushing the victim to a nearby hospital is also advised.
Source: Philippines News Agency