Heat index hits ‘danger’ level of 42-51°C in areas across the PH

The heat index in several areas of the country rose to the "danger" level of 42-51 degrees Celsius on Monday, GMA Integrated News' Emil Sumangil reported on 24 Oras.

The highest heat index of 44°C was recorded in:

• Aparri, Cagayan;
• Laoag, Ilocos Norte;
• Dagupan City;
• Catarman, Northern Samar; and
• Catbalogan, Samar.

Meanwhile, the heat index was 43°C in:

• NAIA, Pasay;
• Legazpi City, Albay;
• Masbate City; and
• Tacloban, Leyte.

A heat index of 42°C was recorded in:

• Tuguegarao City;
• Iba, Zambales;
• Clark Airport (Pampanga)
• Ambulong, Batangas;
• Tanauan, Batangas;
• Maasin, Southern Leyte; and
• Zamboanga City.

On Tuesday, the heat index was expected to hit 43°C at the Science Garden in Quezon City and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

It would climb to 41°C in Tuguegarao City; 38°C in Catbalogan, City; and 37°C in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.

According to PAGASA, a heat index of 52°C and above is an extreme danger level with heat stroke imminent.

A temperature of 42-51°C is a danger level with heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke probable with continued exposure.

Meanwhile, a heat index of 33-41°C is a level for extreme caution with possible heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continuous activity could also lead to heat stroke.

A 27-32°C is a level for caution with possible fatigue. Heat cramps could also take place as a result of continous activity. — DVM, GMA Integrated News