MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Nine areas in the country are expected to experience a “danger” level of heat index on Monday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

The following locations may have the highest heat index of up to 46 degrees Celsius today, according to PAGASA’s forecast: 

• Daet, Camarines Norte: 46°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao: 44°C
• Aparri, Cagayan: 43°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 42°C
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C
• Aborlan, Palawan: 42°C
• CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
• Roxas City, Capiz: 42°C

According to PAGASA, the heat index measures an individual’s perceived temperature instead of the air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index from 42 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Among the symptoms of heat-related illnesses are sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing, weak but fast pulses, feeling of nausea, and vomiting.

If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advises concerned individuals to follow these first aid measures:  

• The victim should be moved to a cool, shaded area with ventilation.
• Remove the person’s outer clothing.
• Apply cold compresses, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
• If conscious, encourage the patient to take slow, regular sips of cool water.
• Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately.

Due to the expected hot weather, the Department of Education announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools nationwide on April 8, 2024.

The DOH advised the public to limit their time outdoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor to prevent heat-related illnesses. 

People should also use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors and schedule their heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it is cooler.

On March 22, PAGASA declared the start of the warm and dry season in the country.

On July 4 last year, PAGASA declared the start of the El Niño phenomenon, characterized by abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Sources:(1),(2)

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