Tuguegarao's heat index within danger level — PAGASA

Tuguegarao City in Cagayan recorded a heat index within the “danger” level amid the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In an update on the highest heat index as of Tuesday afternoon, PAGASA said Tuguegarao had 42 degree Celsius of heat index.

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius, according to PAGASA. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

Aside from Tuguegarao, other areas that experienced a danger level heat index this March are Bacnotan, La Union; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Coron, Palawan; and Cotabato City, Maguindanao.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity as well as the air temperature.

Due to this, PAGASA advised the public to watch out for symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

• sweating heavily
• exhaustion or fatigue
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• blacking out or feeling dizzy when standing
• weak but fast pulse
• feeling of nausea
• vomiting

To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA encouraged the public to limit their time spent outdoors , drink plenty of water, and avoid tea, coffee, soda as well as liquor.

It added that people should use umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors , and also schedule their heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it is cooler. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News