PAGASA records 52°C heat index in Dagupan City, highest in 2021

Dagupan City in Pangasinan on Wednesday registered the highest heat index in 2021 so far with 52 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said.

According to its website, the state weather bureau said the heat index was recorded at 2 p.m., Wednesday.

The heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, and is essentially the "apparent" temperature felt by the human body, computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

The state weather bureau lists heat indexes of 41°C and hotter as carrying high risk of heat exhaustion and even heatstroke.

Image: PAGASA

Also in the "danger" zone in terms of heat index on Wednesday were:

• Ambulong, Batangas - 42 °C heat index
• Casiguran Aurora - 42°C heat index
• Clark Airport, Pampanga - 41°C heat index
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao - 44°C heat index
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte - 42°C heat index
• Iba, Zambales - 41°C heat index
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte - 43°C heat index
• NAIA Pasay City - 43°C heat index
• Roxas City, Capiz - 41°C heat index
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro - 43°C heat index
• Sangley Point, Cavite - 46°C heat index
• Science Garden, QC - 41°C heat index
• Tuguegarao, Cagayan - 43°C heat index

PAGASA's tips on lowering one's heat index include:

• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect the sun's energy.
• Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals. However, eat more often. Avoid eating foods high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.

— Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News