MANILA, Philippines – Weather Bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country is experiencing its hottest year this decade.
“The year 2010 is the hottest year in the last 10 years,” PAGASA Administrator Dr. Prisco Nilo said in an interview with “Dateline Philippines Sunday.”
Nilo added that with unusually warm temperatures likely being a staple for now, temperatures could range from highs of 36 to 38 degrees Celsius up to the end of the month.
“We’re not anticipating much cloud development to produce rain or bring down temperatures,” he noted.
Nilo, however, said they expect temperatures to ease somewhat by June when the rains come.
Tuguegarao City in Cagayan registered a record temperature high of 39 degrees on Saturday while Metro Manila was at 36.5 degrees. Temperature highs in Manila peaked at 37.5 degrees on May 19. Amid the soaring temperatures, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to limit their outdoor exposure especially at midday to prevent heat stroke and its complications.
DOH Epidemiology Chief Dr. Eric Tayag also cautioned the public against engaging in too much strenuous activity.
The warning comes days after an army recruit died after suffering heat stroke.
Tayag also advised the public to avoid excessive sun exposure, drink plenty of water and use sun protection.
“We’d like to caution those who go to the beach not to stay too long under the sun... Use protection from too much sun damage,” he said. – Report from ANC
