PAGASA: Hot weather expected to worsen

The hot temperature experienced in Cebu, and the rest of the country, this year will still rise, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Pagasa Mactan weather observer Al Quiblat said that the temperature of 31 degrees Celsius at around 2 pm yesterday was so far the highest recorded in Cebu this year, and it is expected that it will be hotter in the next few days.

Quiblat added that the rise in temperature might be highest in May and, based on the past records, it is the month with the most number of temperature increases.

In April 2005, Pagasa records showed that Cabanatuan City and Port Area in Manila had the highest temperatures of 38.6 degrees Celsius and 36.6 degrees Celsius, respectively, said Quiblat.

The hottest temperature that hit Cebu was 36.4 degrees Celsius on May 1977, while the hottest ever recorded in the country was 42.2 degrees Celsius in Tuguegarao on May 1969, he said.

Quiblat said that this year, “temperature rises usually at about 2 pm to 3 pm. So the public should stay indoors during these hours.”

The Department of Health, for its part, also cautioned the public of too much exposure to heat as this might cause common afflictions, such as sore eyes and heat stroke.

DOH regional director Susana Madarietta said the summer days are also hit usually with food-and-water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever and hepatitis B.

Madarietta further advised people not to keep on rubbing their eyes to avoid infection, quoting the doctors’ hackneyed admonition: “Prevention is better than cure.”

To avoid heat-caused ailments, one should not stay under the sun for more than three hours as this predisposes to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, she said, adding that those who want to have tan should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Be sure also to drink only water and iced beverages of good quality, Madarietta said. To be certain, boil water for at least five minutes before drinking, she said.

Madarietta reminded the public to eat only properly cooked food or those that are still hot to avoid contacting diseases. Leftovers should be refrigerated then reheated before eating them again, she said.

The DOH further advised food handlers to wash their hands, before and after food preparation. If sick, they should not prepare food at all.  — Jasmin R. Uy/RAE