Cold front over Manila warms Cebu

Cebu is experiencing hot days recently because of the cold front that has prevailed over Manila, this according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Pagasa Mactan weather observer Luciano Villamor said that such is “due to climate change.”

The weather bureau already noted a significant increase in the frequency of hot days and warm nights since 1961.

From 1961 to last year, the maximum temperature on hot days has increased by .349 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature has risen by .887 degrees Celsius, Pagasa reported.

The bureau discovered the trend after comparing the hottest days and coldest nights in a given year with the average mean temperature each year beginning 1961, Villamor said.

Earlier, Pagasa also detected a slight rise in the sea level of Manila, Legazpi, Davao, Jolo and Cebu wherein the possible impacts are increased coastal flooding and coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and storm surge magnified.

To adapt to global warming, Pagasa is conducting research and development on climate change, hazard and climate-risk mapping, and information dissemination on weather/climate hazards, among others.

Global warming refers to the increase in the Earth's mean temperature arising from enhanced greenhouse emissions. – Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV