Cebu to endure heat despite LPA

DESPITE the low pressure area (LPA) affecting southern Mindanao, Cebuanos will continue to experience the heat and drought brought by the El Niño phenomenon this week, according to an expert from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Mactan station.

Pagasa-Mactan weather specialist Jhomer Eclarino said the LPA, located 555 kilometers southeast of General Santos City as of 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 21, 2024, has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next few days.

Cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected in Mindanao due to the trough of the LPA, while Metro Manila and the rest of the country can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms as the ridge of the High Pressure Area (HPA) extends over the eastern section of Northern Luzon.

LPA often leads to precipitation, while an HPA brings fair weather, clear skies and light winds.

Eclarino said Cebu will experience generally fair weather, forecasting no weather disturbances in the area.

Moreover, he said Cebu’s surface air temperature is expected to range between 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Eclarino forecasted that Cebu’s heat index in the next two days will range between 37 to 38 degrees Celsius, which falls under the extreme caution category. This level of heat index suggests that heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible, and continued outdoor activity may lead to heatstroke.

Surface air temperature refers to the actual temperature of the air measured by a thermometer, while heat index takes into account both temperature and humidity to measure how hot it feels to the human body.

Extra caution

The public is reminded to remain vigilant and always adhere to health advice, especially during the summer season, which is the common term Filipinos use to refer to the dry season.

Earlier, Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, regional epidemiologist from the Department of Health-Central Visayas, urged the public to adhere to safety measures during the intense heat.

She urged the public to avoid outdoor activities between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly during peak hours when the heat index is highest.

Additionally, she advised wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. / KJF