DAVAO CITY, Philippines - With the Araw ng Dabaw festivities attracting locals and tourists alike, city officials have issued a heat advisory, urging the public to take precautions against potentially hazardous temperatures exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alfredo Baloran, chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), highlighted concerns in a recent interview, referencing a Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advisory. The heat index, a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature, is expected to hit 35 to 37 degrees Celsius in the coming days, particularly during the height of the festival from March 8-12.
Baloran emphasized the importance of minimizing sun exposure to prevent health issues ranging from sunburn and hives to more serious conditions like heatstroke and skin cancer. He also stressed the necessity of staying hydrated and noted that CDRRMO-911 teams would be strategically positioned to provide emergency services for any heat-related incidents.
Moreover, Baloran advised the public to prepare for sporadic rain showers and thunderstorms, which could occur in the afternoons despite the prevailing heat. With these weather conditions anticipated to persist until May, and with the looming transition to La Niña, the CDRRMO is taking a proactive stance to ensure public safety during the city's celebrations.