Paano nga ba nakakaapekto ang heat index sa ating katawan? | Need To Know

Summary

The video script discusses the heat index in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, explaining it as the perceived temperature felt by the human body, influenced by temperature and humidity. It highlights the dangers of high heat index levels, which can lead to heat cramps, dizziness, and heat stroke. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) emphasizes the importance of understanding heat index categories to prevent heat-related illnesses. Factors affecting temperature and humidity, such as elevation and proximity to water bodies, are also discussed, along with the impact of atmospheric systems like high-pressure areas and the El Niño phenomenon. The script concludes with expert advice on staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities, and protecting oneself from the sun.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ The heat index in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is soaring, indicating the perceived temperature of the human body based on temperature and humidity.
• 💧 As temperature and relative humidity increase, the heat index rises, affecting how hot the body feels.
• 🌡️ The heat index is distinct from the body's normal temperature of 37°, which is the baseline for feeling comfortable.
• 😓 The body cools down by sweating, but high humidity can hinder sweat evaporation, leading to a hotter sensation.
• 🔥 Dangerous heat index levels, between 42 to 51° C, can cause heat cramps, dizziness, and heat stroke.
• ⚠️ Extremely dangerous heat index levels, like the 55° C recorded in Dagupan City in 2022, significantly increase the risk of heat stroke.
• 📈 Understanding the heat index concept and its categories is crucial for recognizing when the body is at risk of heat-related illnesses.
• 🏞️ Factors like elevation and proximity to bodies of water can affect temperature and humidity, thus the heat index.
• 🌡️ The hottest months in the Philippines are typically from March to May, with the highest heat index values observed in May.
• 🌞 Atmospheric conditions like high-pressure areas can suppress rainfall and increase the heat index by allowing more direct sunlight.
• 🌍 Global phenomena like El Niño can exacerbate heat index levels by reducing rainfall and increasing temperatures.
• 🧴 To prevent heat-related illnesses, experts advise staying indoors, using sun protection, wearing light and comfortable clothing, and staying hydrated.

Q & A

What is the heat index and how is it measured?

The heat index refers to the perceived temperature felt by the human body, which is measured by considering both the temperature and relative humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air. As temperature and humidity rise, so does the heat index.

How does the body respond to high heat index values?

When the heat index is high, the body feels warmer and tends to sweat to cool down. However, high humidity can inhibit the evaporation of sweat, leading to a buildup of moisture on the skin and an intensified feeling of heat.

What is the normal body temperature and how does it differ from the heat index?

The normal body temperature is around 37°C. This is different from the heat index, which is an external measure of how hot it feels due to temperature and humidity, not the actual internal body temperature.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), why does the body feel hotter when the temperature rises in a location?

PAGASA explains that when the temperature is high, the body feels hotter and releases sweat to cool down. The evaporation of sweat helps to cool the body, but high humidity can slow down this evaporation process, making the heat feel more intense.

What are the dangerous levels of heat index and what health risks are associated with them?

Dangerous heat index levels are considered to be between 42 and 51°C. Prolonged exposure to these levels can lead to heat cramps, dizziness, and heat stroke. If the heat index exceeds 52°C, such as the 55°C recorded in Dagupan City in 2022, it is considered extremely dangerous with a high risk of heat stroke.

What are some factors that can affect the temperature and relative humidity, thereby increasing the heat index in a location?

Factors such as elevation, proximity to coastal areas or bodies of water, and atmospheric systems like high-pressure ridges can affect temperature and humidity. Lower elevation areas tend to be warmer, coastal areas are prone to higher humidity, and high-pressure areas can suppress rainfall and increase temperatures.

How does the time of year affect the heat index in the Philippines?

The heat index and temperature in the Philippines typically start to rise in March and continue to increase towards April. The highest heat index values are usually observed in May, during the hot-dry season from March to May.

What is El Niño and how does it affect the heat index?

El Niño is a climate pattern that can lead to less rainfall and higher temperatures. Its effect on the heat index is to increase it, making the temperature feel even hotter and potentially raising the risk of heat-related illnesses.

What are some precautions that can be taken to avoid heat-related illnesses according to the experts?

To avoid heat-related illnesses, experts recommend staying indoors and avoiding outdoor activities whenever possible. If going outside is necessary, using sunblock, an umbrella, or wearing a hat, wearing lightweight and comfortable clothing, and staying hydrated are advised.

How does the presence of a high-pressure area affect the likelihood of rainfall and the perceived temperature?

A high-pressure area can suppress convective activity, making rainfall less likely. With less cloud cover, direct sunlight can make the surface feel hotter, increasing the perceived temperature.

What is the expected duration of the high heat index period according to PAGASA?

PAGASA suggests that the high heat index could last until May, with additional factors like El Niño potentially exacerbating the heat and humidity.