00:00DANGER LEVELS
00:02This is where the heat index in the Philippines and other countries in Southeast Asia comes into play.
00:09How does the heat index affect our body?
00:14Here's what you need to know.
00:18The heat index refers to the temperature of the human body.
00:23This is measured by the temperature and relative humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air.
00:30The higher the temperature and relative humidity, the higher the heat index.
00:36The heat index is totally different from the body temperature, which is normally 37 degrees.
00:44To better understand,
00:46according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration,
00:52the higher the temperature in a place, the hotter our body will feel.
00:57That's why we sweat to cool down or reduce the heat we feel.
01:03When sweat evaporates, our body feels hot.
01:08But if the relative humidity or the amount of moisture in the air is high,
01:13it prevents the sweat from evaporating quickly.
01:17So it accumulates.
01:19We sweat a lot.
01:21We sweat a lot.
01:23And then we also feel very hot.
01:26That's the heat index.
01:29Some places in the country are experiencing extreme heat again today.
01:33The hottest temperature in the country has risen to 48 degrees Celsius again.
01:39There are daily reports that the heat index is reaching dangerous levels.
01:44What does this mean?
01:46It has a side effect on the human body,
01:49the high or low heat index in the country.
01:54The heat index can be considered a dangerous level between 42 to 51 degrees Celsius.
02:01It is possible to have heat cramps, dizziness, and heat stroke if the exposure to this condition continues.
02:08If the heat index is higher than 52 degrees Celsius,
02:13like the 55 degrees Celsius heat index in Dagupan City in 2022,
02:19it can be considered extremely dangerous.
02:22There is a high chance of having a heat stroke.
02:25It is important that we understand the heat index concept and categories
02:31because this will help us know that this is the indicator if we are exposed directly to sunlight.
02:38If we are exposed to sunlight, we will feel a slight sweat,
02:43we will feel a slight dizziness, and we will feel dehydrated.
02:47At that time, we should start taking steps to avoid further health illnesses
02:56or health-related conditions that may have negative effects on our body.
03:01According to Pag-asa, there are also some factors that are affected by temperature and relative humidity
03:07that can also raise the heat index in a place, such as elevation.
03:12If the elevation or those in the low-lying area is lower, the temperature is hotter,
03:18like Manila, which is only 13 meters above sea level.
03:22The best example of this is Baguio, which is around 1,500 meters elevation.
03:30So the temperature they can get is relatively cold compared to the low-lying areas.
03:35Places near coastal areas or bodies of water are also prone to high relative humidity.
03:42The temperature that is recorded every hot dry season from March to May is also higher.
03:49According to our climatological analysis of the heat index and temperature,
03:54the temperature really starts to rise after March.
03:59Then it continues to rise towards April,
04:02and the highest heat index values are usually observed during the month of May.
04:10There are also large atmospheric systems that are affected by the heat of the weather in the country,
04:16such as the rising ridge of the high-pressure area in some parts of the country.
04:21If it's a high-pressure area, it suppresses the convective activity or the formation of clouds.
04:30It means that the rainfall is less likely to happen.
04:35And also, if it's a high-pressure area, since there is no rain, the experience is hotter
04:41because the sunlight is direct on the ground and there is no blocking light.
04:45If there is a cloud, of course, our surface will not be too hot.
04:49According to the forecast, it is still possible to experience a high heat index until May.
04:55El Niño is still experiencing an increase and dryness in some parts of the country.
05:01The effect of El Niño is less rainfall and higher temperature, a hotter temperature.
05:08So its contribution, if we add that this season, March-April, is really hot,
05:14plus the effect of El Niño, it will really increase,
05:18aside from the dry temperature, our heat index measurements.
05:22To avoid heat-related illnesses, here are some reminders from experts.
05:27As much as possible, stay inside the house and avoid outdoor activities.
05:33If you need to go out, use a sunblock, umbrella or wear an umbrella.
05:39Also wear lightweight and comfortable clothes.
05:42And always drink water to avoid dehydration.
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