Heat index soars to 40 degrees Celcius in Laoag City

Laoag City experienced the hottest day of the year so far on Sunday (April 8), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Laoag Station.

Charmagne Marie Varilla of PAG-ASA Laoag said that on Thursday, although it only recorded 32 degrees Celcius, the actual air temperature reading or heat index reached 40 degrees Celsius.
According to PAGASA, a heat index of 32 degrees to 41 degrees calls for “extreme caution,” exposure to which could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion.

It added that continuing activity in such hot conditions could result in heat stroke.

PAG-ASA cautioned that a heat index of 27 to 32 degrees is already deserving of “caution.” Under these levels, fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity to heat, and continuing activity could result to heat cramps.

It warned that a heat index of 41 to 54 degrees is already categorized as “dangerous,” with heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely, and heat stroke probable with continued activity. A heat index above 54 degrees is “extremely dangerous,” with heat stroke imminent, it was learned.

PAGASA starts measuring the heat index by March. The heat is expected to last throughout the annual dry season, and until the rainy season starts ideally by June.

PAGASA defines “heat index” as the “apparent” temperature or what human perceive or feel as the temperature affects their body. It is usually higher by at least two to three degrees Celsius than the actual air temperature.

Last Saturday (April 14), the State weather bureau recorded a heat index reached a scorching 53.5 degrees Celsius in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

So far, it is the highest recorded heat index in any place in the country this year, PAG-ASA explained.
To cope with the hot weather, people should stay indoors and on the lowest floors as much as possible, PAGASA said.

The weather bureau added that people should wear light clothes, drink plenty of water, and avoid eating foods high in protein which can increase body heat. (tri-media report)