PAGASA tells voters: Brace for hot, humid Election Day

CEBU, Philippines — People should brace for a hot and humid weather in Cebu today, Election Day, according to an official from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Mactan station.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, PAGASA-Visayas chief Alfredo Quiblat, Jr. is warning the public that temperature today may peak at 34 degrees Celsius.

This is way higher than the average maximum temperature every May in Cebu at 32.7 degrees Celsius.

Quiblat said that days commonly get warmer in May - the hottest month of the year - and presently, the country is plagued with drier weather due to the presence of the El Niño phenomenon.

People should not only prepare for the intense heat but also for the humid atmosphere because this would contribute significantly to the body’s discomfort.

Quiblat said because of humidity, air temperature of 34 degrees Celsius may have an equivalent heat index of 44 degrees Celsius  or the actual temperature that may be felt by the human body.

To note, the normal body temperature averages at 27 degrees Celsius.

As people are expected to flock the voting centers today, they are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid heat cramps or heat exhaustion.

Quiblat said voters should bring with them drinking water to keep their body cool and hydrated. People are discouraged from drinking coffee and liquor to prevent dehydration.

He said voters should also bring umbrellas or wear caps to protect them from the sun’s heat.

Quiblat added wearing light-colored and comfortable clothes is also advised.

He said adults with ailments should better cast their votes before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. People had been cautioned to avoid long sun exposure during daylight, particularly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Though weather today is expected to be generally hot and humid, Quiblat said there may be chances of isolated rains or thunderstorms during late afternoon or in the evening.

He said earlier forecast on possible rains is already lifted. Rain-inducing weather system Intertropical Convergence Zone has not persisted until the Election Day. (FREEMAN)