How hot is 40-48°C heat index? DOH says it's like being immersed in warm coffee

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday likened the 40-48°C heat index being experienced in certain parts of the country to being submerged in a cup of warm coffee. 

Interviewed on Unang Balita, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said that the normal body temperature of a human is only 37°C. If a hot coffee is typically at 50-60°C, then the temperature of a warm coffee is something comparable to the heat index being felt in several areas. 

“Ang kumukulong tubig ay 100°C, so sobrang taas naman no’n. Pero ang kape typically ay nasa mga 50-60°C. Isipin natin na ang paligid ng katawan natin parang nababalutan ng kape na hindi na gaanong mainit,” he explained. 

(A boiling water is at 100°C, so that’s very high. But a cup of coffee is typically around 50-60°C. It’s like our bodies are being covered by coffee that is no longer that hot.) 

From January 1 to April 18, 2024, there were 34 cases of heat-related illnesses reported in Central Visayas, Ilocos Region, and Soccsksargen, data from the DOH said.

Of them, six people already died, but the DOH said that the causes of their deaths are still being verified. 

“Malaking bulto sa 34 [cases] na ito ay 27 [cases] mula sa isang grupo na na-monitor namin na nag-street dance. Kaya inuulit natin ang paalala natin na mula 10 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m., medyo pipiliin natin dapat ang ating aktibidades,” Domingo said. 

(A bulk of these 34 cases, or 27 cases, came from a group that reportedly performed a street dance. So we’re reiterating our reminder that we should be limiting our activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 

The DOH has warned the public against heat-related illnesses that have become more prevalent with extreme temperatures, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 

Domingo said that the most dangerous of them all is heat stroke, which typically starts with cramps in stomach or legs, and will develop into heat exhaustion with continued exposure to the sun. 

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, 38 areas in the country might experience a dangerous level of heat index, ranging from 42-51°C, on Thursday, April 25. These are:

• NAIA in Pasay City (45°C)
• Science Garden in Quezon City (43°C)
• Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (42°C)
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan (46°C)
• Bacnotan, La Union (43°C)
• Aparri, Cagayan (43°C)
• Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (44°C)
• ISU Echague, Isabela (43°C)
• Iba, Zambales (43°C)
• Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga (43°C)
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija (44°C)
• Baler (Radar), Aurora (43°C)
• Casiguran, Aurora (42°C)
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City (45°C)
• Tayabas City, Quezon (42°C)
• Sangley Point, Cavite (47°C)
• Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (44°C)
• Infanta, Quezon (42°C)
• Alabat, Quezon (42°C)
• Mulanay, Quezon (43°C)
• Calapan, Oriental Mindoro (43°C)
• Coron, Palawan (42°C)
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (45°C)
• Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (44°C)
• Aborlan, Palawan (45°C)
• Legazpi City, Albay (44°C)
• Virac (Synop), Catanduanes (44°C)
• Masbate City, Masbate (42°C)
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur (43°C)
• Roxas City, Capiz (45°C)
• Iloilo City, Iloilo (43°C)
• Dumangas, Iloilo (43°C)
• Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C)
• Tacloban City, Leyte (42°C)
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar (42°C)
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur (43°C)
• Davao City, Davao del Sur (42°C)
• Cotabato City, Maguindanao (42°C)

—KBK, GMA Integrated News