Metro heat index to hit 37.9°-38.5° Celsius; PAGASA provides tips to avoid heat stroke

Brace for hotter days ahead.

Yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast that Cagayan province’s heat index could reach a maximum 39.2 degrees Celsius by Sunday, while Metro Manila’s heat index will range between 37.9 degrees Celsius and 38.5 degrees Celsius for the next four days.

Tuesday afternoon, Metro Manila recorded its highest air temperature so far this year at 36.3 degrees Celsius, which PAGASA said was the equivalent of a 45.4° Celsius heat index.

PAGASA defines “heat index” as the apparent temperature or what humans feel as the air temperature affects the body. It is higher than air temperature by at least two to three degrees Celsius depending on the amount of humidity present in the atmosphere.

Other recorded heat indices last Tuesday are: Ambulong in Batangas, 44.9° Celsius; Butuan City in Agusan del Norte, 46.7° Celsius; Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, 52.3° Celsius; Clark Airport in Pampanga, 51.9° Celsius; General Santos City in South Cotabato, 44.4° Celsius; Guiuan in Eastern Samar, 44.6° Celsius; Legazpi City in Albay, 44.5° Celsius; Roxas City in Capiz, 44.4° Celsius; and Sangley Point in Cavite, 50.2° Celsius.

With heat indices between 32 to 41 degrees Celsius, PAGASA advised residents to observe extreme caution as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could result to heat stroke.”

PAGASA further warned the public that heat indices between 41 and 54° Celsius may mean impending “danger” as “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely” to happen and “heat stroke is probable with continued activity.”

If heat index is over 54 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said there is “extreme danger” as “heat stroke is imminent.”

2. Wear lightweight and light colored clothing. Light colors will reflect the sun’s energy. Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.

3. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.

4. Eat small meals. However, eat more often. Avoid eating foods of high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.

ORATIO IMPERATA

Meanwhile, due to the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) proposed the recitation of the oratio imperata (obligatory prayer) for rain.

The CBCP proposed to its member bishops the recitation of the oratio imperata in their respective dioceses.

“This is being offered to you for your consideration for only the Local Ordinaries can mandate such,” Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP secretary general, said in a letter.

“The suggestion is due to the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon that has ravaged many parts of our country, particularly in Mindanao,” it further read.

TIPS AGAINST HEAT STROKE

To prevent heat stroke, PAGASA has these tips for the public:

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. Drink plenty of water regularly. The body needs water to keep cool.

3. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinking liquor because it dehydrates the body.

4. Eat small meals. However, eat more often. Avoid eating foods of high in protein which can increase metabolic heat.

ORATIO IMPERATA

Meanwhile, due to the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) proposed the recitation of the oratio imperata (obligatory prayer) for rain.

The CBCP proposed to its member bishops the recitation of the oratio imperata in their respective dioceses.

“This is being offered to you for your consideration for only the Local Ordinaries can mandate such,” Fr. Marvin Mejia, CBCP secretary general, said in a letter.

“The suggestion is due to the prolonged drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon that has ravaged many parts of our country, particularly in Mindanao,” it further read.

Part of the prayer is:

“United as Your children, we come to You, pleading,

Shower us with rain, provide us with water that we need.

Father, Your children are begging to survive,

Hear us, we desire to live.

“Prolonged drought is depriving us of the fruits of our toil;

Low water supply means hunger and thirst for most of us;

El Niño continues to threaten our relationship with one another.

“O Lord, this is a very hostile phenomenon that we beg for You to end.

“At this time of looming catastrophe, dear Lord, dwell in our hearts.

Teach us to be more generous; bring out the best in us;

Turn our eyes and ears toward the needs of others, especially the poor.

“Move us to share more, care more, serve more and love more

Holy God, You sanctify this earth to be our sacred abode.

“Grant us courage to take in hand the sufferings of the environment;

Grant us might to save and protect the beauty of nature.

“Grant us wisdom to restore whatever we have destroyed.

“O Loving God, behold on us, Your beloved children

Feel us, feel for us;

Let heaven cry and its tears be our blessed rain.

“Have mercy on us Lord, have mercy.”

The prayer is also available in Cebuano.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Ellalyn De Vera

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