Cebu hot weather due to easterlies

The prevalent hot weather in Cebu may cause heat-related diseases or illnesses, local officer of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns.

Alfredo Quiblat, Jr., PAGASA-Cebu officer in charge, said people, especially those exposed to the sun for a long duration, may experience illnesses like heatstroke or heat exhaustion.

He attributed the increasing heat to the prevailing winds affecting the country that is the easterlies, or the winds blowing from the east – or the Pacific Ocean.

Since the Southwest monsoon (Habagat) has ended two weeks ago, the direction of the prevailing winds slowly shifts or transitions to east, and then eventually to northeast (Amihan).

The Northeast monsoon season is expected to fully set in this October or in the first half of November.

Quiblat explained that the warm and moist air from the east or the Pacific affects the country’s temperature, causing it to rise.

Air temperature in Cebu, as observed in the previous days, had marked high levels.

PAGASA LapuLapu City weather station recorded the highest so far this month at 33.6 degrees Celsius on October 2 at 2:10 p.m.

This actual temperature even exceeds the average maximum temperature in October at 31.3 degrees Celsius.

Worse, the equivalent heat index (or human discomfort index) peaked at 39 to 40 degrees Celsius this week, said Quiblat. Heat index refers to the temperature felt by the human body.

Health authorities set the average normal body temperature at 37 degrees Celsius.

Another factor that contributes to the warm weather is the absence of rain, said Quiblat.

PAGASA, during its climate outlook forum held last September 26, reported that most parts of Visayas, including Cebu, will likely receive near from the normal rainfall amount these areas usually get.

Cebu, in particular, was predicted to experience at least 18 to 20 dry days this October, according to the weather bureau.

Quiblat, however, dismissed notions that the rising temperatures this month are a manifestation of the possible El Niño.

For now, PAGASA’s predictions say that there is 50 to 55 percent chance of an El Niño phenomenon to start by the last quarter of the year.

PAGASA earlier raised the alert status to “El Niño Watch” on July 5, which means a development of an El Niño condition is favored within the next six months.

Also, majority of the international weather models predict that an El Niño event is likely to occur before the year ends.