Heads up, parents. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a severe heat warning, forecasting “extreme danger” heat index values that could reach 52 degrees Celsius and up in certain areas, which is still part of the continuing effects of El Niño and the dry season.
Understanding the "Extreme Danger" heat index
PAGASA highlighted the danger presented by the high discomfort index or heat index. Ana Liza Solis, the chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, explained, “Sa ngayon based sa monitoring ng PAGASA matataas na discomfort index or heat index, may possibility na may areas po na makaranas nitong tinatawag na extreme danger, yung 52 pataas.
“Kung tayo ay direktang nakatutok sa init ng araw, heatstroke imminent or probable kaya dapat ito ay ating iwasan,” she added.
The heat index, often referred to as the “feels-like” temperature or apparent temperature, refers to what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
Current and projected heat conditions
The agency previously noted that the heat index could reach the “danger” level of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius in 18 areas on Thursday. This means that “heat cramps and exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.”
Further temperature increases are expected in the coming weeks. Solis noted, “Historically kasi ang mataas na temperature na naitatala during the month of April as well as during the months of May, kaya dito nakikita na possible pa rin na patuloy na iinit o tataas ang temperature.”
Areas most at risk
Areas most at risk to the extreme temperatures include northern regions, Metro Manila, and coastal areas. “Pagdating ng Mayo asahan natin lalong lalo na dyan sa parte ng Cagayan valley area, pati sa parte ng Isabela ng Cagayan pati diyan sa Ilocos region, medyo iinit din po, kasama na ang Central Luzon area at also mga karatig probinsya ng Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, at coastal areas medyo mainit pa rin kaya ingat tayo,” Solis said.
Recommendations for public safety
In light of these extreme rising temperatures, PAGASA advises the public to remain vigilant and adopt heat safety measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. This includes avoiding direct sun exposure, staying hydrated, and wearing appropriate clothing. Solis advised, “Let’s try to avoid outdoor activities, especially between 10am to 4pm.”
In recent weeks, many LGUs, schools, and universities have either suspended face-to-face classes or shifted learning modalities due to the extreme heat. The Department of Education (DepEd) has also previously reminded school officials and LGUs that they have the authority to suspend or shift modalities to protect the health of their learners and teachers.
Read here to know the early signs of heat exhaustion in kids.
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