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CEBU CITY, Philippines — The heat index in Cebu is set to be under the “extreme caution” category, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Mactan (Pagasa-Mactan) on Wednesday, September 6.
Cebu’s heat index on Wednesday is 40 degrees celsius which falls under the “extreme caution” classification level.
Meanwhile, the air temperature is 32.1 degrees celsius, and the humidity is 68-percent.
A heat index is the combination of the maximum air temperature and the relative humidity, according to Ana Dumdum, weather specialist from the Forecasting Section of Pagasa-Mactan.
READ: Cebu logs one of highest heat index on March 31 in PH — Pagasa
Exposure risks
Dumdum said that prolonged exposure outside between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. might lead to having heat cramps and heat exhaustion would be possible.
“Kung continuous (exposure) pa jud, especially atong mga construction workers or workers nga need magwork outdoors, it will lead simbako to heat stroke,” she said.
(If continuous (exposure to the sun), especially those construction workers or workers who need to work outdoors, it will lead to, God forbid, to heat stroke.)
She advised the public to take preventive measures against the negative impacts of heat.
READ: Extreme heat in PH: Health risks, economic impact
Advise to workers on the heat index in Cebu
To the workers, who have to work outside, she encouraged them to avoid caffeinated drinks, and to drink water instead to rehydrate.
“Sa atong mga workers (outside), if naa tay shade mag take break from time to time and always hydrate,” she said.
(To our workers (outside), if there is a shade, take a break from time to time and always hydrate.)
The public should also wear protective clothing, and bring umbrellas, she said.
READ: Scorching summer and heat index: Dos and Don’ts
Heat Index for tomorrow
Meanwhile, the heat index for tomorrow, September 7, is 41 degrees celsius.
Based on the heat index chart of Pagasa, the following are the classification levels:
27 to 31 degrees celsius: Caution
Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity. Continuing activity could lead to heat cramps.
33 to 41 degrees celsius – Extreme caution
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible. Continuing activity could lead to heat stroke.
42 to 51 degrees celsius – Danger
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely to occur. Heat stroke is probable with continued exposure.
52 degrees celsius above – Extreme Danger
Heat stroke is imminent.
READ: ‘Ineng’ exits PAR but continues to enhance habagat
Southwest monsoon affecting CV
On the other hand, the southwest monsoon is still affecting Central Visayas.
Dumdum said that no low-pressure area or typhoon was being monitored inside the country’s area of responsibility.
“Expected kani lang atong mga localized thunderstorms, especially sa hapon or sa gabii. Usahay mokalit la’g bunok nya mokalit la’g undang bitaw,” she said.
(We are only expecting these localized thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon or in the evening. Sometimes, it will just rain hard and then it will just suddenly stop.)
She said that the public would still have to be careful for the possible thunderstorms, and be alert for the floods in the cities and landslides in mountainous areas.
Cebu will experience a generally fair weather with localized thunderstorms until Sunday, September 10.
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Cebu City’s heat index on Friday, April 21, under Extreme Caution Category
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