Editorial

Heat index reaches ‘dangerous’ levels

Complaining about the hot weather? If only we are that rich to be able to install air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable. In distant past years, weather was not this “heaty.” Today, it is almost unbearable that some become irritant like boiling heat. Be careful of your blood pressure and respiratory organ.

In the past weeks, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration recorded high temperatures with heat index breaching 44 degrees Celsius (°C) in some provinces, including Cotabato City at 43.

At one time, a heat index of 48.2°C was recorded in Dagupan City in Pangasinan.

PAGASA said heat index refers to the actual feel of temperature, opposed to the temperature measured by a thermometer. The high air temperatures and high relative humidity are the factors considered in heat index.

Heat indices of 41°C to 54°C are considered “dangerous” as this could cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion  with probability of  heat stroke in continued activity.

A heat index of 45°C was recorded over Ambulong, Batangas; Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija; and Cuyo, Palawan last week. The heat index over Sangley Point in Cavite was recorded at 44.6°C.

The hottest temperature in the country last April 26 was recorded in Dagupan City at 36.9°C.

It is not only in the Philippines that high temperatures are torturous. Unexpectedly, Australia is now experiencing “unreasonable” warm weather.

Indicatively, the world is now experiencing “bizarre, uncharacteristic, and oftentimes consequential changes” in weather patterns. Environmentalists have long warned that these are the direct result of GLOBAL WARMING.

When it is too warm, heat indices rise. When it rains, these downpours are heavy that flooding and landslides do occur, creating havoc to agriculture, properties, and even human lives… signs of GLOBAL WARMING. Extreme heat melts the glaciers resulting to high sea levels and, thus, inundating lands. Environmentalists have warned that in years to come heat index could reach 50 degrees Celsius… Could you imagine how this would affect us? Now it is already more than 40.

Dare to seek habitat in the north or South Pole for cooler temperature? If that would give us convenience, why not?  But we cannot just migrate in “gusto.”

What can we do? Well, as specialists say, take the cue from Mother Nature and start changing ways “before it’s too late.” Heed to advisories in caring and loving our Mother Earth in our simplest way.

For the moment, let us not expose ourselves to extreme hot weather to prevent it’s effects invading our dear bodies… “Prevention is better than cure.”  My doctor teased me of prescribing an air conditioner. It is not the cost of the unit but defraying the high cost of electricity.

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/985757/heat-index-reaches-dangerous-levels-in-parts-of-ph-pagasa#ixzz5Dqsngaz9
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