Thirty-seven areas in the Philippines, including Metro Manila, are expected to experience a dangerous heat index level on Wednesday, May 15, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In its heat index forecast released on Tuesday, Pagasa indicated that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City may see a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius, while the Pagasa Science Garden in Quezon City could experience a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.
Areas projected to have a heat index of 42 degrees Celsius or higher include:
- Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Pili, Camarines Sur – 46 degrees Celsius
- Roxas City, Capiz – 46 degrees Celsius
- Bacnotan, La Union – 45 degrees Celsius
- Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte – 44 degrees Celsius
- Aparri, Cagayan – 44 degrees Celsius
- Alabat, Quezon – 44 degrees Celsius
- Cuyo, Palawan – 44 degrees Celsius
- Masbate City, Masbate – 44 degrees Celsius
- Dumangas, Iloilo – 44 degrees Celsius
- Catarman, Northern Samar – 44 degrees Celsius
- Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur – 44 degrees Celsius
- Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Catbalogan, Samar – 43 degrees Celsius
- Isabela State University, Isabela – 43 degrees Celsius
- Iba, Zambales – 43 degrees Celsius
- Sangley Point, Cavite – 43 degrees Celsius
- Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 43 degrees Celsius
- Coron, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43 degrees Celsius
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Aborlan, Palawan – 43 degrees Celsius
- Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 43 degrees Celsius
- Iloilo City, Iloilo – 43 degrees Celsius
- Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 43 degrees Celsius
- Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 42 degrees Celsius
- Laoag City, Ilocos Norte – 42 degrees Celsius
- Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City – 42 degrees Celsius
- Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42 degrees Celsius
- Daet, Camarines Norte – 42 degrees Celsius
- Legazpi City, Albay – 42 degrees Celsius
- Mambusao, Capiz – 42 degrees Celsius
- Guian, Eastern Samar – 42 degrees Celsius
- Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42 degrees Celsius
- Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42 degrees Celsius
Pagasa classifies a heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius as “dangerous.” Prolonged exposure to these temperatures can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Safety Measures
The public is advised to observe the following heat safety measures:
- Wear heat-protective clothing: Light, loose-fitting clothing helps keep your body cool.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Seek cool areas: Stay indoors or in shaded, cool places as much as possible.
By taking these precautions, residents in the affected areas can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses during this period of intense heat.