Pagasa exec: Limit sun exposure to 20 minutes

A STATE meteorologist has advised the public to exercise caution, recommending that people avoid staying under the sun for over 20 minutes and take heat index reports seriously.

Alfredo “Al” Quiblat Jr., chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas, also encouraged workers, especially those who work outdoors, to take heat breaks to cool down.

This warning comes as Cebuanos experience increased heat indices as high as 38 degrees Celsius amid the El Niño phenomenon.

A heat index ranging from 32 to 41 degrees Celsius falls under the category of “extreme caution,” according to the Pagasa. This means that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, and continuing activity could result in heatstroke.

The heat index, or “feels-like” temperature, combines air temperature and humidity to indicate how hot the weather feels to the human body.

On April 8, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma announced that they favor flexible work arrangements to safeguard workers’ health against heat-related illnesses.

Quiblat and other weather experts consistently emphasize the importance of avoiding the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as these hours are when the human body experiences the most intense heat. However, experts from the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) recommend staying indoors as early as 9 a.m.

Quiblat also advised the public to always adhere to the heat index reports announced by the weather bureau.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, DOH 7 medical officer, emphasized last March that as temperatures and humidity increase, the body’s ability to cool down decreases. This raises the risk of heat-related illnesses, endangering vulnerable groups like the elderly, children and individuals with medical conditions.

The weather expert also advised people to stay hydrated but to avoid soft drinks and coffee as they can contribute to dehydration. These beverages contain caffeine and sugar, which act as diuretics, increasing urine production and potentially causing fluid loss.

Quiblat recommends wearing light-colored outfits to stay cooler in hot weather. Light colors reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption.