The head of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is encouraging the public to use the heat index guide, which contains an hourly forecast of the heat index levels across the country.

The guide can be accessed through PAGASA’s website (https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather/heat-index), and this will be accessible until June 30, 2025.

“The public could prevent the threats of high heat index if they have a guide. High heat index levels could cause heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydrations,” PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Heat index or what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air.

Under danger level or 42°C to 51°C heat indices, heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely.

Continued exposure could also cause heatstroke.

The guide, which PAGASA called the IHeatMAP, provides the heat index forecast in all areas, from 27°C to more than 52°C. It was launched last April 4.

Servando said the IHeatMAP was created to guide people in their everyday work, describing it as important for farmers, construction workers and delivery riders.

“It would help them decide when it is safe to go out,” he said.

The guide is also helpful for the elderly and children because they are more sensitive to heat, he added.

“The forecast would help to provide them with better care,” Servando said.

Meanwhile, Servando said the guide was also created for the local government units.

“They use this as basis for their reminders, alert or emergency response, especially in areas prone to warm temperature,” he said.

He added this would also help in the planning of the energy and water sectors. (PNA)