PAGASA: 37 areas under danger level heat index on May 17

Thirty-seven areas may experience a heat index at the danger level on Friday, May 17, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

According to PAGASA's heat index forecast issued at 5 p.m. Thursday,, the following areas predicted to have heat index ranging from 42°C to 46°C are:

45°C:

—Dagupan City, Pangasinan

—Sangley Point, Cavite

—San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

—Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur

44°C:

—Bacnotan, La Union

—Roxas City, Capiz

—Iloilo City, Iloilo

—Dumangas, Iloilo

—Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte

43°C:

—NAIA, Pasay City

—Sinait, llocos Sur

—ISU Echague, Isabela

—Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga

—Baler (Radar), Aurora

—Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

—Cuyo, Palawan

—Virac (Synop), Catanduanes

—Guiuan, Eastern Samar

—Cotabato City, Maguindanao

42°C:

—Science Garden, Quezon City

—Laoag City, llocos Norte

—MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte

—Aparri, Cagayan

—Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

—Iba, Zambales

—CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

—Casiguran, Aurora

—Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas

—Infanta, Quezon

—Alabat, Quezon

—Daet, Camarines Norte

—Masbate City, Masbate

—CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur

—Catarman, Northern Samar

—Catbalogan, Samar

—Davao City, Davao Del Sur

—Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte

Baguio City remains to have the lowest predicted heat index at 25°C.

According to PAGASA, areas with heat index ranging from 42°C to 51°C are categorized under the danger level.

Heat index is the measure of the temperature that a person feels, which is different from the actual air temperature. It is computed by factoring in the humidity and the air temperature.

PAGASA said heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely in areas experiencing a danger level heat index, which is from 42 to 51°C. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.

The public was advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity, and wear fresh clothes to avoid heat-related illnesses. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF/VBL, GMA Integrated News