Dangerous heat index is expected in 38 areas in the country on Monday, state weather bureau PAGASA said.
In its forecast on Sunday, PAGASA said the following areas experience the highest index of up to 46°C:
46°C
45°C
44°C
43°C
42°C
Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.
PAGASA said heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42°C to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.
The highest heat index recorded on Sunday was in Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 50°C, according to PAGASA.
On May 4, the Department of Health (DOH) said 77 cases of heat-related illnesses were reported so far this year, including those who may have died due to the hot weather. Around 87% or 67 of these cases were aged 12 to 21 years old.
Of the 77 total cases, seven were “reported deaths” although these were “non-conclusive for heat stroke” due to insufficient data.
The DOH said these deaths may be heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, or heat-influenced, such as underlying high risk for heart attack, precipitated by hot environment that led to elevated blood pressure.
Due to extreme heat conditions, face-to-face classes in some areas for Monday have been suspended.
If anyone is experiencing heat stroke symptoms, the DOH advised the following first aid measures:
PAGASA on March 22 declared the start of the warm and dry season in the country and the start of the El Niño phenomenon on July 4 last year.
Since 2023, the United Nations has warned of “global boiling.”
“The era of global warming has ended, the era of global boiling has arrived,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in June 2023. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News