Some Metro Manila LGUs suspend face-to-face classes due to 'dangerous' heat

Some local government units in Metro Manila suspended face-to-face classes at all levels from April 25 to 26 (Thursday to Friday) due to dangerous heat level.

In a Facebook announcement on Wednesday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan declared the suspension of face-to-face classes for public and private schools at all levels for Thursday and Friday.

Schools were advised to shift to blended modality.

“This is due to the forecast danger heat index level of 44°C according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office,” it said.

In other Metro Manila cities, Las Piñas and Paranaque also suspended face-to-face classes from April 25 to April 26 in all levels of both public and private schools.

In Caloocan, face-to-face classes are suspended on Thursday, April 25, from kinder to senior high school, in all public and private schools.

On Tuesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said at least 31 areas were seen to experience dangerous level of heat indices today, April 24.

In its latest heat index, PAGASA said temperatures ranging from 42°C to 45 42°C are expected in the following areas:

• NAIA, Pasay City —  42°C
• PAGASA Science Garden, Quezon City —  42°C
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan —  44°C
• Bacnota, La Union— 42°C
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan —  43°C
• Echague, Isabela —  43°C
• Clark Airport, Pampanga —  42°C
• Muñoz, Nueva Ecija — 43°C
• Baler, Aurora —  42°C
• Casiguran, Aurora — 42°C
• Subic, Olongapo City — 42°C
• Sangley Point, Cavite —  43°C
• Tanuan, Batangas — 42°C
• Infanta, Quezon — 42°C
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro — 42°C
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro — 42°C
• Coron, Palawan — 42°C
• Puerto Princesa, Palawan —  44°C
• Aborlan, Palawan —  44°C
• Virac, Catanduanes —  43°C
• Masbate Ciy, Masabate — 42°C
• Pili, Camarines Sur — 43°C
• Roxas, Capiz — 45°C
• Iloilo City, Iloilo —  42°C
• Dumangas, Iloilo — 42°C
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar — 43°C
• Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte —  43°C
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur —  45°C
• Davao City, Davao del Sur —  42°C
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao —  43°C
• Butuan City, Agusan del Norte —  43°C

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.

Based on the PAGASA classification, heat indices reaching 42°C to 51°C are under “dangerous” level, which may cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

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

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