PAGASA warns: Brace for the hottest month

CEBU, Philippines —  As early as now, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Visayas has strongly warned Cebuanos to brace for the hottest month in May.

There is no official declaration yet as to the onset of “dry hot season” in the country, but it is expected to be declared within the week, said Jhomer Eclarino, weather specialist of Visayas PAGASA Regional Services Division.

Eclarino said that the onset of the El Niño phenomenon is expected to be by July this year after the weather bureau terminated the La Niña phenomenon last March 10, 2023.

To date the country is still in the transition phase called “neutral phase condition” before the onset of “dry hot season” declaration.

Eclarino said that the month of May is expected to be the hottest month in Cebu. As early as February this year, the heat index was already at 38 degrees Celsius.

“Nagka-anam-anam na saka ang heat index. Ang 40 plus degrees Celsius possible magsugod na sa April,” Eclarino told The FREEMAN yesterday.

Eclarino explained that a 40-degree Celsius heat index is considered under the “extreme caution to danger” category.

Since this is under a danger category, Eclarino said that every person must stay away or limit the time outdoors, if necessary, to avoid heat stroke or heat cramps, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and wear bright colored clothing, among others.

Those who work under the sun, like the traffic enforcers or construction workers, should have intermittent rest and stay away from the heat of the sun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which are considered peak hours.

Water shortage is also expected during the onset of the El Niño phenomenon due to lack of rains.

A new climate prediction from PAGASA is expected to be released tomorrow. — GAN (FREEMAN)