By Ben Balce
Associate Editor
PHILIPPINE Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) based in El Salvador City assistant chief weather forecaster Anianita Fortich today said there was no recorded 42 degrees Celsius, heat index on July 26, in Cagayan de Oro.
“No heat index recorded to reach 42 degrees Celsius today,” said Fortich.
She even said the report was not true and made only by the “pseudo” climatology and Agrometeorology who wanted to create chaos among the public.
“Pagasa El Salvador station or MPRSD is not allowed to issue the official calculation of heat index,” according to Fortich.
She said only the Impact Assessment and Applications Section - Climatology and Agrometeorology Division of Dost-Pagasa can issue the official calculation of the Heat Index.
Instead, for public information, Fortich issued to this paper the maximum temperature (i.e. hottest temperature for the day) from July 21 to 25, 2021 such as 36.2°C (maximum temperature), 35.8°C, 38.2°C, 38.0°C, and 38.6°C, respectively.
Fortich said they measured a maximum temperature of 38.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday.
Pagasa usually advises the public to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related emergencies, especially the Covid-19 frontliners manning checkpoints along the streets, said Fortich.
According to Pagasa a heat index that reaches 32 to 41 degrees Celsius is categorized under “Extreme Caution.”
Among its potential effects include heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Continuing activity under the sun could result in heatstroke.
Based on Pagasa, the heat index is a human discomfort index that gives the “apparent” temperature or what humans perceive or feel like the temperature affecting their body.
High air temperatures and high relative humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices.
Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by 8°C.
If a heat index reaches 32 to 41 degrees, issued the following tips are also as (1) Stay indoors as much as possible, if air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine, (2) Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect the sun's energy. (3) Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool (4) Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body and (5) Eat small meals however eat more often. Avoid eating foods high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.
