'Dangerous' heat index recorded in Bicol, Visayas areas —PAGASA

Several areas in Bicol Region and Western Visayas experienced a heat index of 46°C on Wednesday, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.

PAGASA classifies heat indices reaching 42°C to 51°C as under “dangerous” level, which may cause heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

The highest computed heat index was recorded in Masbate City; Daet, Camarines Sur, and Catarman, Northern Samar, Marisol Abdurahmann according to a report on “24 Oras”.

A similar heat index is likewise projected in Roxas City, Capiz on Thursday.

According to PAGASA, residents living on islands are more susceptible to the possible effects of the high heat index.

“Dahil sila ay napapalibutan ng dagat, so mas maraming available moisture doon sa kanilang area kaya mas maraming na-absorb na init at inilalabas ulit na init,” PAGASA senior weather specialist Raymond Ordinario explained.

(There is more available moisture in their areas because they are surrounded by water. More moisture is absorbed and released into the air.)

Meanwhile, some heat-related incidents were monitored in Mindanao.

At the Lapu-Lapu City Jail Male Dormitory in Cebu, at least three persons deprived of liberty experienced heat stroke from April to May due to the extreme heat.

In Zamboanga City, the high temperature triggered a student’s hypertension.

PAGASA said the extreme heat is expected to last for two to three more weeks despite the rains. It then advised the public to stay hydrated and to avoid going out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to prevent heat-related illnesses. —Sundy Locus/ VAL, GMA Integrated News