Dangerous heat index to be experienced in 14 areas on Good Friday — PAGASA

At least 14 areas are expected to feel a “danger” level  heat index of up to 44 degrees Celsius on Good Friday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its latest forecast as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, PAGASA said the following areas will experience the highest heat index in the country:

• Roxas City, Capiz - 44 degrees Celsius
• Iloilo City, Iloilo - 44 °C
• Dumangas, Iloilo - 43 °C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro - 43 °C
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan - 43 °C
• Aborlan, Palawan - 43 °C
• NAIA in Pasay City, Manila - 42 °C
• Sangley Point, Cavite - 42 °C
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro - 42 °C
• Coron, Palawan - 42 °C
• Masbate City, Masbate - 42 °C
• CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur - 42 °C
• Mambusao, Capiz - 42 °C
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur - 42 °C

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

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.

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

The El Niño phenomenon is characterized by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean leading to below normal rainfall.

In Iloilo City, the local government extended the suspension of their flag raising ceremonies until April due to the continuing threat of high heat index in the area.

“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,” Mayor Jerry Treñas said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News