WHILE summer is getting hotter, a low pressure area has intensified into a tropical depresssion.
It remained over the Pacific and was forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility by Sunday or Monday, said Fernando Cada of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
If it enters the country, the storm will be locally named “Domeng.”
The storm was forecast to make landfall by Wednesday or Thursday.
Cada said it could still intensify in the coming days as it remained at sea or weaken.
“All weather disturbances is a cause to worry but what is important is the preparation of the local government and coordination,” he said.
The path follows the same one as super typhoons Yolanda (Haiyan) and Pablo (Bopha).
Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas in November 2013, while Pablo wrecked havoc in Davao region in 2012.
“Let’s hope it’s just a tropical depression,” NDRRMC Executive Director Eduardo del Rosario told reporters.
The NDRRMC will alert local disaster agencies by Saturday, he said.
While it is a dry season, one cyclone is forecasted to enter the country this month.
Hotter days ahead
Pagasa Mactan Weather Specialist Emma Casilagan said Metro Cebu will experience warmer weather in April and May.
The weather bureau recorded temperature of 30.2 degrees in Metro Cebu yesterday.
This could go up to 35.4 or 36.4 degrees Celsius for the month of May.
People are expecting an increase in their electricity bills as the heat starts to intensify in summer and students are on vacation.
Maria Licah Ligutom, 20, said her electric fan is on 24 hours a day.
“Makaligo nako og ikatulo o ikaupat sulod sa usa ka adlaw kay grabe ang init,” she said.
(I take a shower three to four times a day.)
To stay cool, the graduating senior said she often goes to shopping malls to enjoy the air-conditionnig.
She said she almost fainted while walking downtown beause of the pollution and the heat.
To deal with the risk of heat stroke and episodes of hypertension, Casiligan said people should drink more water and remember to bring caps or umbrellas while staying outdoor.
She also advised the public to not to go outdoors between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its highest.