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ILOILO City – Temperatures could rise to dangerous levels in the coming weeks, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
While high temperatures normally mark the hot dry season, “Sa sunod nga mga binulan posible maglab-ot sa 40 degrees Celsius,” said weather specialist Ferdinand Rubin of PAGASA-Iloilo.
The hot dry season, commonly referred to as “summer”, will last until May.
So far, the highest heat index recorded in Iloilo is 39 degrees Celsius, said Rubin.
PAGASA defines heat index as the human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what humans perceive or feel as the temperature affecting their body.
The heat index is determined based on actual air temperature combined with relative humidity.
Rubin said heat indices ranging between 41 degrees Celcius and 54 degrees Celcius are considered “dangerous”.
Such temperatures may result in heat cramps and heat exhaustion, even heatstroke, with continued physical activity.
Heat stroke is also probable for individuals engaged in “continuous activities.”
Western Visayas experienced such dangerous levels of temperature twice in the last three years. On April 20, 2019, the heat index in Roxas City, Capiz peaked at 42.2 degrees Celsius, PAGASA records showed. In May 2020, the highest heat index forecast in Iloilo and Guimaras provinces was 43 degrees Celsius.
Rubin advised the public to take the necessary measures to avoid dehydration and other extreme heat-related illnesses such as drinking plenty of water, wearing of light clothes and avoid drinking tea, coffee, alcohol and soda especially during early afternoons.
He also advised people to stay at home and avoid exposure to the scorching heat of the sun.
But when going out is un avoidable, he said people should use covering or sunshields such as wide-brimmed hats and long- sleeved clothing.
The Department of Health has also been warning the public of diseases associated with rising temperatures during summer such as boils or pigsa, abscess, chickenpox, sore eyes, measles, diarrhea, and cholera./PN
