Metro Manila, Luzon provinces forecast to have 'danger' heat index level on March 3; several NCR cities suspend F2F classes
Metro Manila and two provinces in Luzon are forecast to have heat indexes in the "danger" status on Monday, March 3, prompting schools in the capital to suspend classes.
According to PAGASA's heat index forecast on March 2 at 5 p.m., which covers until March 4, the following areas will have the corresponding heat indexes:
- Science Garden Quezon City – 46C
- Clark Airport, Pampanga – 46C
- Central Luzon State University (CLSU) Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 45C
Science Garden and Clark Airport are forecast to maintain their heat index, while CLSU Muñoz is expected to reach 49C.
Based on the forecast, Abucay, Bataan and Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo would also reach 44C and 43C, respectively.
Several cities in Metro Manila suspended face-to-face classes due to the high heat index.
- Caloocan – kinder to senior high in public schools to shift to asynchronous learning; private school depends on school authorities
- Las Piñas – all levels, public and private; shift to online or asynchronous learning
- Malabon – all levels, public and private; shift to modular distance learning
- Parañaque – all levels, public and private; shift to online or asynchronous learning
- Valenzuela – kinder to senior high school, public and private; shift to online or asynchronous learning
- Manila – all levels, public and private
Heat index is the level of heat or discomfort a person experiences due to the air temperature and relative humidity, or the amount of moisture in the atmosphere, accounting for that “nanlalagkit” feeling.
PAGASA has released a classification threshold, adapted from the United States' National Weather Service, on how the heat index can affect a person.
27C to 32C – Caution
- Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity.
- Continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.
32C to 41C – Extreme Caution
- Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
- Continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.
41C to 54C – Danger
- Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely.
- Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
54C and beyond – Extreme Danger
- Heat stroke is imminent.
In preventing heat-related illnesses (e.g. heat stroke) due to the high heat index, PAGASA has urged Filipinos to limit the time spent outdoors; drink plenty of water; avoid tea, coffee, soda, and liquor; wear umbrellas, hats, and sleeved clothing outdoors; and schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day when it's cooler.
But if emergency arises, PAGASA said one must observe the following:
- Move the person to a shady spot and lie them down with legs elevated.
- If conscious, have them sip cool water.
- Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and provide ventilation.
- Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.
- Bring to a hospital immediately.
