At leats nine areas in the country are expected to experience a "dangerous" level of heat index on Monday, April 8, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.
Based on its latest advisory, PAGASA said the following areas may feel a heat index ranging from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius today:
- Daet, Camarines Norte: 46°C
- Cotabato City, Maguindanao: 44°C
- Aparri, Cagayan: 43°C
- Tuguegarao City, Cagayan: 42°C
- San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 42°C
- Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C
- Aborlan, Palawan: 42°C
- CBSUA in Pili, Camarines Sur: 42°C
- Roxas City, Capiz: 42°C
According to PAGASA, heat index is the human discomfort index that gives the "apparent" temperature, or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.
The effect-based danger classification ranges from 42°C to 51°C, and its effects on the body are that heat cramps and exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include sweating heavily, exhaustion or fatigue, dizziness, blacking out, weak but fast pulse, nausea, and vomiting
If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the Department of Health (DOH) advised concerned individuals to follow these first aid measures:
- Move the person to a shaded, cool area, and provide ventilation
- Remove the person’s outer clothing
- Apply cold compresses, ice packs, cold water, or cold wet cloth against the skin, especially on the head, face, neck, armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin
- If the patient is conscious, encourage frequent slow sips of cool water
- Contact emergency services or bring the person to the hospital immediately
