CEBU CITY – If you felt like melting last Saturday, that’s probably because, at 33.2 degrees Celsius, it was the hottest day so far since January.
Despite the rain and thunderstorm that struck parts of Metro Cebu in the early hours of Sunday, the weather bureau said it will still be sunny most of the week.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas advised the public to drink plenty of water and bathe twice a day, if possible, to prevent heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition with symptoms like high body temperature, rapid pulse, and difficulty in breathing.
Dr. Expedito Medalla of DOH-Central Visayas advised the public to drink plenty of fluids, such as juice and water, especially those who have heart diseases and hypertension.
It is best to stay indoors or under shade if the heat seems unbearable.
“Use sunscreen and wear light-colored clothes. It will also help,” said Medalla. “Bring umbrellas and caps.”
“Take a bath at least twice a day and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Medalla added.
Skin rashes, cough, and colds are also likely to strike this summer, the DOH official said.
Meanwhile, despite the hot sunny weather, it may rain within the week, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Boy Artiaga, Pagasa Mactan weather observer, said the rain may be caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. He said the rain is most likely to occur during afternoons or evenings.
“The rain will depend on the cloud formation, but definitely, it will rain within the week,” said Artiaga.
As of 2 p.m. Sunday, Artiaga said the temperature reached 31.6 degrees Celsius. This is considerably lower than last Saturday’s temperature (33.2 degrees), the hottest temperature on record since January. (JBT/Sun.Star Cebu)
