For the third consecutive day, Guiuan, a municipality in Eastern Samar, has recorded a heat index that has reached the “extreme danger” category. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the heat index in Guiuan soared to a blistering 55°C at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. This comes on the heels of similarly extreme temperatures of 55°C on May 26 and 54°C on May 27.
The heat index is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to determine the human-perceived equivalent temperature, indicating how hot it feels to the human body. Pagasa warns that a heat index of 52°C or higher significantly increases the risk of heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.
Widespread Heat Alerts Across the Philippines
While Guiuan faced the most extreme heat, several other areas across the Philippines also experienced dangerously high heat indices. Locations with heat indices in the “danger” category, ranging from 42°C to 51°C, include:
- 48°C: Sangley Point (Cavite), Virac (Catanduanes)
- 46°C: Butuan City (Agusan del Norte)
- 45°C: Catarman (Northern Samar)
- 44°C: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Pasay City), Laoag City (Ilocos Norte), Dagupan City (Pangasinan), ISU in Echague (Isabela), Casiguran (Aurora), Puerto Princesa City (Palawan), Cuyo (Palawan), Tacloban City (Leyte)
- 43°C: Science Garden (Quezon City), Aparri (Cagayan), Baler (Aurora), Infanta (Quezon), Alabat (Quezon), Masbate City (Masbate), CBSUA in Pili (Camarines Sur), Catbalogan (Samar), Dipolog (Zamboanga del Norte)
- 42°C: Sinait (Ilocos Sur), MMSU in Batac (Ilocos Norte), Calayan (Cagayan), Tuguegarao City (Cagayan), Ambulong in Tanauan (Batangas), Calapan (Oriental Mindoro), Romblon (Romblon), Daet (Camarines Norte), Legazpi City (Albay), Juban (Sorsogon), Roxas City (Capiz), Iloilo City (Iloilo), Panglao International Airport (Bohol), Mactan International Airport (Cebu), Siquijor (Siquijor), Borongan (Eastern Samar), Maasin (Southern Leyte)
Health Risks and Safety Measures
Pagasa emphasizes that a heat index between 42°C and 51°C falls under the “danger” category, where prolonged exposure can result in heat cramps heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. In light of these hazardous conditions, the public is urged to take precautions to mitigate health risks.
Safety Tips to Cope with Extreme Heat:
- Stay Indoors: Limit time spent outdoors, especially during peak heat hours.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate the body, such as tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol.
- Protective Clothing: Use umbrellas, wear hats, and opt for light, sleeved clothing when outdoors to shield from direct sunlight.
- Timing Activities: Schedule strenuous activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
- Cool Environments: Seek air-conditioned spaces or use electric fans to help reduce body temperature.
