(Eagle News) – The country’s weather bureau recorded the highest heat index on Thursday at 49.2 degrees Celsius in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and recorded 15 more areas where the heat index exceeded the “danger” level of 41 degrees Celsius yesterday, April 18.
PAGASA describes the heat index as the “human discomfort index that gives the ‘apparent’ temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.”
“High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8°C,” it said.
It said that heat indexes at 41 degrees Celsius and above are considered dangerous for the human body.
According to PAGASA, a heat index between 41 degrees Celsius up to 54 degrees Celsius can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
“Heat stroke is probable with continued activity,” it said in an advisory.
The 49.2 degrees Celsius heat index in Guiuan, Eastern Samar was recorded at 11 a.m. on April 18.
PAGASA also recorded a heat index of 45.8 degrees Celsius in Ambulong , Batangas; 44.6 degrees Celsius in Daet, Camarines Norte; 44.5 degrees Celsius in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; 44.4 degrees Celsius in Sangley Point, Cavite; 43.2 degrees Celsius in NAIA, Pasay City in Metro Manila; 42.4 degrees Celsius in Casiguran, Aurora; 42.2 degrees Celsius in Masbate City; and 42.1 degrees Celsius in Clark Airport in Pampanga.
The other areas with recorded heat indexes of over 41 degrees Celsius yesterday are the following:
Tayabas city, Quezon – 41.8 degrees C
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 41.6 degrees C
Port area, Manila – 41.4 degrees
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 41.4 degrees C
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 41.3 degrees C
Legaspi City, Albay – 41.2 degrees C
Roxas City, Cadiz – 41.1 degrees C
PAGASA advised the public to “stay indoors as much as possible” and to drink plenty of water regularly.
It said wearing lightweight and light colored clothing can also help.
(Eagle News Service)