‘Init factor’ in Dagupan City reaches 51.7°C —PAGASA

PAGASA recorded the highest "init factor" or heat index for Tuesday in Dagupan City, Pangasinan at 51.7°C.

Data from the state weather bureau showed that the sweltering temperature occurred at 2:00 p.m.

It was followed by Cuyo, Palawan, and Tuguegarao, Cagayan with 46.2°C and 43.5°C init factors, respectively.

Heat index in PAGASA's Science Garden in Quezon City was 37°C while its station in Pasay City recorded 42°C.

Heat stroke is already probable once the heat index reaches 41°C to 54°C, according to PAGASA.

The state weather bureau defined heat index or init factor as "human discomfort index that gives the 'apparent' temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body. "

The heat index is computed using the values of high air temperatures and high relative humidity.

The Department of Health advised the public to avoid prolonged sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and to increase water intake.

Temperature

Meanwhile, PAGASA said temperature in the Philippines continues to soar and reached its highest record on Sunday since the dry season started.

In a report by Mariz Umali in GMA's 24 Oras on Tuesday, the state weather bureau said that temperature in its station in Isabela State University has peaked at 38°C—the highest across the country, so far. This entails a 41°C to 43°C heat index or the "apparent" temperature that humans perceive.

PAGASA warned that the temperature may further rise in the coming months.

"Mas ini-expect pa natin na mas iinit 'yung ating actual temperature lalo na sa buwan ng Mayo hanggang bago mag tag-ulan. So we are expecting a 35°C to 38°C," said Jorybell Masallo, PAGASA senior weather specialist.

The Department of Health warned that temperatures higher than 37°C may pose health risks such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

"Kapag ang temperature mas mainit pa rito mas lalo pang nahihirapan 'yung katawan natin and the body will have to adjust kailangan niya kasing i-cool down 'yung sarili niya dahil above 37.5 hindi na normal 'yung function ng katawan natin dahil parang may lagnat na," DOH spokesperson Undersecretary Eric Domingo said.

He also explained that the body perspires to cool down from hot temperatures but extreme heat may cause serious complications and even death.

"Maaari kang parang nababalisa, 'yung hindi nila alam nawawala sa sarili, maaari talagang mawalan ng malay at magkombulsyon at maaaring tuluy-tuloy na marami pang ibang komplikasyon. Merong maaaring mamatay," Domingo said.

Health experts recommend drinking eight to 10 glasses of water a day and avoiding prolonged sun exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The public was also reminded of the first aid for heat stroke.

"Pwede nating tanggalin 'yung damit niya punasan siya ng basang tuwalya, lagyan ng yelo sa kili-kili, sa singit. Nakakatulong ito to bring down the temperature immediately," Domingo said. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News