PAGASA Resumes Heat Index Forecasts; Two Areas Register 44 Degrees Celsius Tuesday

As the government conducts preparations for El Niño, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) resumed on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the issuance of its highest heat index forecasts.

According to its forecast on Tuesday, Dagupan City in Pangasinan and Borongan in Eastern Samar, registered the highest at 44 degrees Celsius.

Five areas recorded 43 degrees Celsius, including Bacnotan in La Union, Iloilo City, Dumangas in Iloilo, Mambusao in Capiz and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte.

San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Cuyo in Palawan, Siquijor and Guiuan in Eastern Samar recorded heat indices of 42 degrees Celsius.

A heat index of 42 to 51 degrees Celsius falls under the danger category, where prolonged exposure and continuous activity may result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The weather bureau also warned that around 12 areas may experience drought by the end of November as El Niño persists. These include Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Capiz, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Samar, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, the City of Isabela in Basilan and Misamis Oriental.

Another 57 areas may experience dry spells, while 11 may have dry conditions by the end of the month.

Due to forecasts of dangerously high heat indices, several LGUs suspended classes on Tuesday.

Cavite City Mayor Denver Chua suspended face-to-face classes in all levels in public schools, except Cavite City National Science High School, due to an expected heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.

Mulanay, Quezon, also suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools due to the extreme heat and an expected heat index of 42 degrees Celsius.

In Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, Mayor Raymund Tongson suspended classes in all levels in public and private schools amid a forecast heat index of 41 degrees Celsius.

Masterclasses

The Department of Health (DOH), for its part, is also preparing its workforce and hospitals for the potential health effects of the prolonged hot and dry conditions.

The agency has started holding El Niño masterclasses for its employees and health care professionals to strengthen preparedness and response measures.

The classes also aim to equip personnel in regional offices and DOH hospitals with information on El Niño preparedness and the appropriate actions to take as the weather phenomenon intensifies.

In anticipation of a possible influx of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses, the agency is likewise preparing to temporarily assign personnel from other hospital departments to provide medical attention to affected patients.

Dedicated fast lanes will also be established in hospital emergency rooms for patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.

The public is advised to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen and avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible.