PAGASA warns: Dangerous heat index to be experienced in 14 areas

IN the latest forecast of the weather bureau PAGASA, it is said that at least 14 areas are expected to feel a dangerous heat index of up to 44 degrees this Good Friday. 

Courtesy: PAGASA 

The temperature that a person feels, as opposed to the actual air temperature, is determined by the heat index. It is measure through taking into account both the ambient temperature and humidity.

According to PAGASA, regions with a danger level heat index of 42 to 51 degrees are more likely to experience heat exhaustion and cramping. Meanwhile, extended exposure can potentially result in heat stroke.

PAGASA  listed the areas that will be affected in the countries which includes: 

Within the National Capital Region (NCR), NAIA in Pasay City, Manila will experience 42 °C heat index. 

In the CALABARZON region–Singley Point, Cavite will also experience the 42 °C heat index.

For the MIMAROPA region, Coron Palawan and Calapan, Oriental Mindoro will experience 42 °C  while San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, Puerto Princesa, and Aborlan, Palawan will experience 43°C. 

In Region V, Masbate City, Masbate and CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur will both experience  42 °C heat index. 

For Region VI (Western Visayas), Mambusao, Capiz will experience 42 °C, while Dumagas, Iloilo will experience 43°C. Iloilo City in Iloilo will be experiencing the highest heat index with the temperature of  44 °C along with Roxas City in Capiz. 

Lastly, in Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur will experience 42 °C. 

The local government in Iloilo City had extended the suspension of their flag raising ceremony in April due to the high temperature heat index within the area. 

According to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, ““Iloilo City continues to experience a heat index of 40 degrees Celsius, which is classified as a level of ‘Extreme Caution’ and heat indices under this category which is 31 °C to 41°C can lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion.” 

Due to the high level of heat index, PAGASA urged the public to be aware of signs of heat-related illnesses to watch out for:  

• Exhaustion of fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Feeling of Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weak but fast pulse
• Blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing

To further prevent heat-related illness, PAGASA also advised citizens to limited their intake of tea, coffee, soda, and liquor and to limit their time spent outdoors.  

As for the people who cannot avoid having to limit their time outdoors, PAGASA courage people to instea schedule their heavy duty activities for the beginning or the end of the day. 

Meanwhile,  if one cannot avoid going outside, people are encourage to use an umbrella, hats, and sleeved outside clothing. 

PAGASA first declared the start of El Niño phenomenon on July 4 last year. 

The unusual rise of the sea surface temperature in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean, which results in less rainfall than usual, is what defines the El Niño phenomena.