Hotter weather seen in the coming weeks

The public should expect hotter weather and warmer temperatures in the coming weeks, as the dry season is peaking toward May, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAG-ASA Mactan chief Oscar Tabada said the temperature will continue to rise in the coming days, advising the public to consume plenty of liquid, avoid staying under the sun for long hours, and wear light clothing to avoid heat stroke.

"It will be hotter in the coming days for the month of May is the hottest month of the year,'''' he said.

Yesterday, the temperature hovered from 33.4 degrees Celsius at 1:45 p.m., almost leveling the 34.2 degrees Celsius that the weather bureau recorded last year.

The hottest temperatures of 38.6 degrees centigrade and 38.5 degrees centigrade were recorded in 1915 and 1987, respectively.

Tabada said the hottest day ever recorded in Cebu was on May 30, 1979 when the temperature reached 36.4 degrees Celsius, followed by the one on May 26, 2002 that reached 35.6 degrees Celsius.

"For the entire month of May, people are advised to go to shady places or apply a sun-block lotion to avoid skin diseases," Tabada said.

The Department of Health, on the other hand, has cautioned the public not to be exposed to the sun for longer period to avoid the risk of getting any of the common ailments during summer.

DOH regional director Susana Madarietta said the most common diseases during summer are sore eyes, heatstroke, diarrhea, typhoid fever and Hepatitis B.

Madarietta advised proper preparations of food, which should be eaten while still hot otherwise it should be refrigerated and reheated before consumption. She also urged the public to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. - Jasmin R. Uy/LPM