Cebu recorded a peak heat index of 43°C on Aug. 5 and Aug. 13, 2026, marking the province's highest temperature reading so far this year.
Pagasa Visayas weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino attributed the hot conditions to the southwest monsoon primarily affecting Luzon and Western Visayas rather than Central Visayas.
Falling under Pagasa's "danger" classification, the extreme heat makes heat stroke probable, prompting officials to advise limiting outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
CEBU has reached its highest temperatures of the year after recording a scorching 43 degrees Celsius heat index twice this August. As hot and humid weather continues, weather experts warn that extreme temperatures will persist across the province.
Pagasa Visayas weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino confirmed that Cebu recorded a heat index of 43°C on Aug. 13, matching the highest reading previously set on Aug. 5.
Eclarino explained that the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, is currently affecting mostly Luzon and parts of Western Visayas, limiting its reach over Central Visayas.
“Because wala ta’y like habagat, diri ra sa Western Visayas and Luzon. Di makauwan masyado sa atoa and ang uban na weather system mostly di pud ka apekto sa Central Visayas,” Eclarino said.
(Because we don’t have the southwest monsoon, which is only affecting Western Visayas and Luzon. We don’t get much rain here, and the other weather systems generally do not affect Central Visayas that much.)
Cebu is expected to experience generally fair weather during the third week of August, though brief, isolated thunderstorms may still occur. Rainfall could become more widespread by Wednesday, Aug. 19, or Thursday, Aug. 20, but fair weather will likely continue across most areas.
Heat reaches ‘danger’ level
Pagasa Visayas records from the Mactan Station show that 43°C is the highest heat index recorded in Cebu so far in 2026. Prior to this, readings reached 38°C in January and February, 36°C in March, 39°C in April, and 42°C in May, June, and July.
Under Pagasa’s weather classifications, a heat index ranging from 42°C to 51°C falls under the "danger" category. Continuous outdoor activity or prolonged sun exposure under these conditions makes heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely, while heat stroke becomes probable.
To avoid extreme heat risks, Eclarino advised the public to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
He also urged residents to drink plenty of water, stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible, and bring umbrellas or protective gear when stepping outdoors. Protecting yourself during peak hours remains crucial as hot conditions continue. DPC