Summer to end late May, PAGASA: Brace for hotter days

CEBU, Philippines - Expect summer to be hotter than usual as temperature is expected to rise, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Alice Canasa, weather specialist II of the PAGASA-Central Visayas, also said the summer season is expected to end by last week of May.

"The summer season will be longer as it started late. Between now until the end of May, we can expected an increase of temperature to 35 degrees Celsius especially in urban areas," Canasa said.

Since summer officially started on March 18, the highest temperature registered in Cebu was 33 degrees Celsius last March 28, she said.

She said that it is hotter in urban centers due to some factors like concrete roads and buildings.

But Canasa, however, said even with the hot season, Cebu can still experience rains in the afternoon and nighttime.

PAGASA advises the public to bring water while going out to avoid heatstroke.

For those who love the beach, Canasa said they should not expose themselves to the sun for more than 15 minutes.

"Kung maligo ug dagat, dapat 15 minutes ra ilang exposure sa sun then haw-as dayon kay too much exposure sa sun can cause sunburn, skin irritation and skin cancer," she said.

Canasa added that people should avoid sun exposure from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. when temperature is high. Temperature is at its highest between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Summer diseases

The Department of Health warned the public on the six common summer diseases or conditions this summer.

These are sore eyes, sunburn, cough and runny nose, diarrhea, skin disease and dog bites.

DOH said sore eyes or conjunctivitis can lead to blindness if mistreated.

The health department said sunburn can be prevented if outdoor activities are held in early morning or late afternoon and that one should use sunscreen as protection.

  To avoid heat stroke, it said one should drink eight to 12 glasses of water a day.

Cough and runny nose easily occurred during summer as erratic weather brings sudden downpour.

The DOH advised senior citizens to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.

The DOH said diarrhea is due to consumption of contaminated food or drinks, advising the public to be cautious of street foods during summer.

Skin diseases, according to DOH, are common during the hot season in areas where water is scarce. - /LPM (FREEMAN)