CCC warns of‘danger’ heat index levels in several areas

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Friday called on the public to take extra precautions as heat index levels in several parts of the country have reached the “danger” category during the peak of the summer season.
In a social media post, the CCC said data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) showed that heat index values between 33°C and 41°C fall under “extreme caution” which may cause heat cramps at heat exhaustion; 42°C -51°C under “danger level” and above 51°C as “extreme danger” which could lead to heat stroke.
Heat index is the temperature felt by the human body when relative humidity combines with actual air temperature.
For its heat index report on Friday, PAGASA recorded the highest observed heat index at 42°C in several locations, including Dumangas in Iloilo, Catarman, Northern Samar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Cotabato City, Maguindanao.
In Luzon, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan; and Ambulong and Tanauan in Batangas recorded a heat index of 40 °C.
Aparri, Cagayan; Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Camiling, Tarlac; Coron, Palawan; and Legazpi City, Albay recorded 39°C.
Meanwhile, Pasay City recorded a heat index of 38°C, while Quezon City; Bacnotan, La Union; Clark Airport, Pampanga; Cavite City; and Alabat, Quezon are at 37°C.
In the Visayas, Iloilo City, Iloilo; Catbalogan, Western Samar; and Borongan, Eastern Samar also recorded a 40°C heat index.
Roxas City, Capiz; La Granja and La Carlota, Negros Occidental; and Tacloban City, Leyte recorded 39°C.
Meanwhile, Mambusao, Capiz; Siquijor and Maasin, Southern Leyte; and Panglao, Bohol recorded 37°C; while Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Mactan, Cebu are at 36°C.
In Mindanao, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte recorded a 41°C; Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte is at 40°C; General Santos City and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and Davao City are at 39°C; Surigao City, Surigao del Norte is at 38°C; and Malaybalay, Bukidnon is at 35°C.
Meanwhile, Itbayat and Basco, Batanes, as well as Tanay, Rizal, both recorded a heat index of 32 °C.
The CCC reminded the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, and limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially during midday hours.
It also urged the public to use protective measures to avoid direct sunlight, such as umbrellas, hats, and sunblock, when going outdoors.
The public is also advised to remain vigilant and monitor official advisories from the weather bureau PAGASA, the Department of Health (DOH), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Emergency hotlines also remain available, including National Emergency Hotline 911, PAGASA (02) 824-0800, Philippine Red Cross (143), Bureau of Fire Protection (02) 8426-0231, and the NDRRMC (02) 8911-5061 to 65 local 100.