Pagasa warns city residents of higher heat index during the summer months.
Inquirer file photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — With Friday, April 12, posting the highest temperature for the year in Cebu with 33.8 degrees Celsius, the public are encouraged to avoid sun exposure especially from noon to 3 p.m., which is the hottest time of the day, in the coming days and to always stay hydrated.
Alfredo Quiblat, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in Mactan (Pagasa-Mactan) officer in charge, told CDN Digital in a phone interview that the temperatures in the coming days would be expected to rise to 26 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.
Quiblat said that this would also cause the heat index to rise, even reaching to 40 degree Celsius, which is three degrees higher than the normal body temperature.
Heat index is a measure indicating the level of discomfort an average person will experience due to the combined effects of the temperature and humidity of the air.
Read more: Tips to avoid heatstroke this summer season
According to Quiblat, on Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, the day’s temperatures hit 32.9 degrees Celsius.
On Friday, April 12, the temperature rose to 33.8 degrees Celsius.
Romeo Quiblat, Pagasa-Mactan weather specialist, said that Friday’s temperature of 33.8 degrees Celsius was the highest temperature experienced in Cebu for the year.
Quiblat said as of 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, the temperature was 32.7 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, Quiblat tagged the easterlies or the wind blowing from the east, as the cause of the hot condition.
“Ang easterlies nato karon lahi ang iyang hangin nga dala. Humid siya. Ibig sabihin, taas ang iyang relative humidity o gidaghanon niya sa water vapor sud sa hangin. So ang heat index nga atong bation sa lawas motaas gyod. Mao na init kaayo ang atong pamati.,” Quiblat explained.
(The easterlies is bringing a different kind of wind. It’s humid. It means that the relative humidity or the amount of water vapor in the air will increase. That’s why the temperature we felt will also increase.)
Read more: Easterlies bring gloomy weather to Cebu
Quiblat also said that temperatures would continue to hit or to be near the 40 degree Celsius heat index range.
“Expected pa nato ana labi na sugod sa mahal na adlaw, moabot pag 40 degree Celsius ang heat index busa mag amping kay padayon atong init nga panahon,” Quiblat said.
(It is expected that starting this Holy Week, the heat index will reach to 40 degree Celsius that’s why the public should take care of themselves.)
He said that usually the highest temperature would be felt around noon to 3 pm.
Quiblat also advised the public to refrain from continuous sun exposure for 20 minutes.
“Dapat moinom gyod ug daghan tubig, wear light color and lightweight shirts,” Quiblat said.
(Drink a lot of water and wear light color and lightweight shirts.)/dbs