Yesterday was hottest day this month, so far

CEBU, Philippines - Did you sweat profusely while outdoors? The temperature recorded yesterday was the highest, so far, this month, according to the state weather bureau.

At 1:50 p.m. yesterday, PAGASA Mactan recorded a temperature at 32.9 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the normal 31 degrees Celsius for the month of November.

 At 5:30 a.m., on the other hand, the temperature reached 26 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal temperature of 24.7 degrees Celsius.  

 PAGASA Visayas Director Oscar Tabada said the rise in temperature is due to the intensified El Niño phenomenon.

 “We would be experiencing an increasing temperature in the succeeding days and months,” he said.

 The El Niño phenomenon was experienced last in 2010 in the Philippines.

 Tabada said El Niño temperature patterns will affect rainfall patterns greatly.

 From November 1-18, the total actual rainfall recorded was only 8.6 millimeters with five actual rainy days. The normal rainfall for this month is 158.4 mm with 14 rainy days.

 “Based on the trend, we will have huge deficit when it comes to water sources,” Tabada said.

 He added that Cebu’s temperature and rainfall will be “below normal and way below normal.”

 He said a dry spell will be experienced starting this month until January next year while drought will take effect from February to May.

 During the dry spell, rainfall is expected to reduce by 21 to 60 percent than the average rainfall—November has 158.4 mm; December has 144.9 mm; and January has 118.9 mm.

 Normal rainfall would be lower by more than 60 percent during drought. During this period, the average rainfall would be 79.3 mm in February; 62.8 mm in March; 44.3 mm in April; and 103.1 mm in May.

 Tabada reminded the public yet again to conserve water. He said local government units “should act now” to help mitigate the effects of El Niño.

 “LGUs already know the areas in their jurisdiction that usually experience scarcity of water during dry spell and drought. So from that, they can exhaust all mitigating measures like bringing water to those vulnerable areas before the situation will get worse,” he said.

 Those with chronic diseases are also advised to limit exposure to the sun. Moreover, the public is advised to apply sunblock lotion before going out and always bring water to keep hydrated. — /JMO (FREEMAN)