Dagupan City sizzles at 48.2ºC
The heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, reached a scorching 48.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday prompting authorities to warn residents to exercise extreme caution against imminent heat stroke.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said "heat index" is the "apparent" temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affects their body.
It is usually higher by at least two to three degrees Celsius from the actual air temperature.
With heat indices between
32 and 41 degrees Celsius, PAGASA advised residents to observe “extreme caution” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could result to heat stroke.”
Meanwhile, with heat indices between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”
If heat index is over 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”
To prevent heat stroke, PAGASA advised the public to:
1. Stay indoors as much as possible,
if air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
2. Wear lightweight and light colored clothing.
Light colors will reflect the sun's energy. Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.
3. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.
Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.
4. Eat small meals more often.
Avoid eating food high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.
This weekend, PAGASA expects the easterly winds – the warm and humid air coming from the east – to prevail over the entire country.