PAGASA: Top heat index values for the year mostly recorded in May

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 9) — The month of May saw the country's heat index reach a lot of its highest values for the year so far, data from the country's weather state bureau revealed.

The heat index provides the "apparent" temperature felt by the human body, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. High air temperature and relative humidity lead to a high index value.

The agency had listed top five heat index values for 2020 so far. Four values were were registered in May, while the topmost value was recorded in April. They are as follows:

- San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro; 58 degrees Celsius; April 20

- Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte; 53 degrees Celsius; May 6

- Ambulong, Bangas, 51 degrees Celsius; May 6

- Sangley Point, Cavite, 51 degrees Celsius; May 6

- Dagupan City, Pangasinan, 51 degrees Celsius; May 5

PAGASA said heat index values between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius are likely to cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which might lead to a heat stroke with continued activity. Meanwhile, a heat index over 54 degrees means a heat stroke is imminent.

According to the Department of Health, signs of a heat stroke include warm, flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever of 41 degrees Celius, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, and unconsciousness.

Among the tips PAGASA has given for remaining comfortable during the hot weather are staying indoors as much as possible, wearing lightweight and light colored clothing, and avoiding physical activities at noon and in the afternoon, which is when temperatures are at their peak heat.

It is also important to drink plenty of water regularly, as the body needs it to keep cool, the agency added.

Water interruptions

However, this might seem difficult to do consistently this month for some, with certain areas occasionally experiencing water supply interruptions this time around.

Manila Water announced on Facebook Saturday that some parts of Antipolo City and Rizal province will experience low pressure to no water because of maintenance activity.

On the same day, Maynilad posted advisories saying Las Piñas City, Parañaque City and the cities of Imus and Bacoor in Cavite might experience this also, with the emergency slowdown of the firm's Putatan Water Treatment Plant 2.

Manila Water serves the East Zone of the metro as well as select towns in Rizal province, while Maynilad caters to the West Zone of Metro Manila and certain cities and towns in Cavite.

The hot summer weather might last until the third or fourth week of May, according to PAGASA.