PAGASA: 25 areas under danger level heat index on May 9

State weather bureau PAGASA predicted that the heat index would rise to dangerous levels in 25 areas across the country on Thursday, May 9.

On its forecast as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the following areas were expected to have heat index ranging from 42°C to 45°C:

45°C:
—Dagupan City, Pangasinan
—Virac (Synop), Catanduanes
—Roxas City, Capiz

44°C:
—Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
—Aborlan, Palawan
—Cuyo, Palawan

43°C:
—Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
—MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte
—Bacnotan, La Union
—Dumangas, Iloilo
—Guiuan, Eastern Samar

42°C:
—NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila
—Sinait, Ilocos Sur
—Iba, Zambales
—Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga
—CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
—Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City
—San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
—Legazpi City, Albay
—Masbate City, Masbate
—CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
—Mambusao, Capiz
—Iloilo City, Iloilo
—Catarman, Northern Samar
—Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Sur

Baguio City, Benguet, and Benguet State University (BSU), La Trinidad, Benguet were expected to have the lowest heat index at 27°C.

According to PAGASA, areas with 42°C to 51°C heat index fall under the danger level.

Heat index refers to the measure of the temperature that the body feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

The heat increases the risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke caused by continuous exposure.

PAGASA advises limited outdoor exposure, continuous hydration and wearing fresh clothes to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported 77 cases of heat-related illnesses from January 1 to April 29. Of this number, 87% or 67 of these cases were aged 12 to 21 years old. — VDV, GMA Integrated News