Mindanao Faces Intense Heat Index Surge
Cagayan de Oro City is enduring a relentless heat wave, mirroring the sweltering political atmosphere ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address. Across Mindanao, the rising heat index has forced residents to adjust their daily routines and heed public health warnings.
For three consecutive days, temperatures in Northern Mindanao’s regional capital have hovered in the mid-30s Celsius. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported heat indices that made the weather feel much hotter than the actual air temperature.
Understanding the Heat Index Impact
The heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to show how hot the conditions feel. On Sunday, the heat index in Cagayan de Oro reached 35.9 degrees Celsius, with an air temperature of 31 degrees and 64 percent humidity. By Monday, this value skyrocketed to 40 degrees Celsius, with forecasts predicting 39 degrees Celsius for Tuesday.
This elevated heat index poses serious health risks. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) warned that heat indices between 33 and 41 degrees Celsius can cause heat cramps and exhaustion, while sustained exposure may lead to heat stroke.
Residents Seek Shelter Amid Scorching Heat
Due to the intense heat, many locals have chosen to stay indoors, boosting the demand for air conditioning and electric fans. Irish Salcedo, a lotto agent in Villanueva town, described the heat as a major inconvenience while waiting for clients in her small booth.
Justin Bagay, a senior high school student from Barangay Bugo, canceled all his appointments to avoid the extreme heat. “The heat today is truly extreme and no longer normal. It feels like it could burn your skin and raise your blood pressure,” he said.
Health Advisories and Climate Concerns
The City Health Office (CHO) urged the public to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and protect themselves with umbrellas, hats, and light, sleeved clothing. Dr. Rachel Dilla, CHO head, reminded residents to avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the heat index peaks.
Climate justice advocate Pat Jared Pangantihon attributed the rising heat index to the extensive cutting of trees on the city’s hillsides. “What do you expect? You cut trees, you carve hillsides to construct roads, and you do not plan for the city to be people-centric, instead make it car-centric,” he said.
He added, “We are now reaping the results. There is nothing to dissipate the heat, instead trapping it inside our city.”
Heat Hits Other Mindanao Cities
Other key areas in Mindanao also recorded high temperatures. Pagasa noted 33 degrees Celsius in Davao City and Cotabato City, 35 degrees in Surigao del Norte, 34 degrees in Agusan del Norte, and 33 degrees in Zamboanga City.
For more news and updates on Mindanao heat index, visit Filipinokami.com.