Hotter days ahead

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences Administration (Pagasa) has urged the public to drink more water and refrain from exposing themselves to the heat of the sun especially between 12 noon to 3 p.m. to prevent stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

The warning came after Cebu experienced scattered rainshowers brought by Tropical Depression Chedeng, which made landfall in Davao Occidental Tuesday morning and weakened to a low pressure area (LPA).

Alberto Quiblat Jr., Pagasa Mactan and Visayas chief, said once the LPA dissipates, the temperature is expected to increase from 24 degrees Celcius to 32 degrees Celcius. This will further in- crease to 35 to 36 degrees Celcius during the weekend.

Quiblat said the rise in temperature could trigger a heat stroke.

“If you are exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes between 12 noon and 3 p.m., this is plus three degrees Celcius. So, if the heat index is 36 degrees Celcius, it will become 39 degrees Celcius. This is already equivalent to a fever that could lead to stroke,” he said.

Pagasa has declared a mild El Niño from Feb. 20 to May 2019.

The rains experienced on Tuesday did not even reach two millimeters of water. One millimeter is equivalent to 5,000 drums per square kilometer area.