Pagasa expects 'hot' Holy Week

THE state weather bureau said the activities during the Holy Week should be done early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

This is to avoid being affected by heat stroke, heat cramps and heat stress, according to the the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Sciences Administration (Pagasa) Mactan.

The extreme heat can also cause skin diseases and other illnesses that might lead to death.

At 1:52 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, Pagasa Mactan recorded the hottest temperature in Cebu Province at 33.8 degree Celsius.

The heat index reached 40 degree Celsius. Weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino said everyone should often drink several glasses of water to lower the body's temperature.

According to Pagasa Mactan, the temperature in Cebu Province will hit 33 to 34 degrees Celsius within the Holy Week (April 14-April 21). The heat index will reach 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. This will be experienced around 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Eclarino said the participants in church's activities and the people on vacation should avoid exposing themselves directly in the .

Pagasa said heat index is a human discomfort index perceive by humans as the temperature affecting the body.

High air temperatures and humidity will give high apparent temperatures or indices. The normal body temperature is 37 degree Celsius.

The increasing heat affecting Cebu and other parts of the country is caused by the easterlies, or the winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean.

Eclarino said beachgoers should apply sunscreen lotion.

Wearing white or light-colored shirt in hot weather can help a person staying cool, according to Pagasa. (FROM FMD OF SUPERBALITA CEBU / KAL)