PAGASA: 14 areas under danger level heat index on Friday

At least 14 areas in the country will be experiencing the effects of Heat Index under the "danger" level on Friday, PAGASA reported.

According to the 5 p.m. Heat Index forecast posted on Thursday, the following areas will be under Heat Index ranging from 42°C to 44°C:

44°C

• Maasin, Southern Leyte

43°C

• Laoag, Ilocos Norte
• Aparri, Cagayan
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
• Surigao City, Surigao del Norte

42°C

• MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
• Bacnotan, La Union
• CLSU-Munoz, Nueva Ecija
• Casiguran, Aurora
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
• Roxas City, Capiz
• Catarman, Northern Samar
• Catbalogan, Samar
• Tacloban City, Leyte

Meanwhile, both Baguio City, Benguet and BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet will have the lowest Heat Index forecast at 25°C.

The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when factoring in the relative humidity at a given location.

PAGASA categorizes areas with 42°C to 51°C Heat Index under the danger category, while areas with 52°C and above fall under extreme danger.

Heat stroke is imminent in areas under extreme danger, while heat cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke are probably risks under the danger level.

In order to prevent heat-related illnesses, the weather bureau advised  the public to do the following:

• Limit the time spent outdoors.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda or liquor.
• Wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors.
• Schedule heavy-duty activities at start or end of the day when it's cooler.

— BAP, GMA Integrated News