ILOILO City – Prepare your jackets and blankets. The cold and windy weather is here to linger for quite some time.
Temperatures in this southern city and the rest of Western Visayas may plummet to 17 degrees Celsius this January towards the end of February, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Raffy Tapales, chief metrological officer of Pagasa-Iloilo, explained the nippy weather is caused by cold wind brought by the northeast monsoon or amihan, which usually comes from Siberia where snow is being experienced.
So far, the coldest temperature recorded in the city was at 22.5°C degrees Celsius.
The cold air, however would not last the whole day, according to Tapales.
People may feel cold at dawn, but the weather, he said, turns warm and humid by noon.
As stated in a seasonal climate outlook, Tapales said surges of cold temperature are expected, particularly from January to February.
However, this may last until late February before the temperature gradually increases leading towards habagat or southeast monsoon.
Tapales also noted the amihan may bring rains but not as much as weather systems like typhoon, inter-tropical convergence zone and thunderstorm.
Meanwhile, due to the dropping temperatures, the Department of Health Region 6 warned of a possible increase in cases of fever and other respiratory problems unless appropriate preventive measures are taken.
To avoid catching cold, DOH said, people should observe the following:
* Avoid sudden exposure to cold, from a heated room to the cold outdoors, especially in the evening and morning. Those who are used to a morning and evening walk may have to change the routine.
* Avoid cold food items such as cool drinks, milk shakes and ice creams.
* Having a warm bath, early morning and late evening is advisable.
* Avoid food such as sour stuffs, pickles and fried foods.
* Eat small, frequent meals that are prepared fresh, are nutritious, and of moderate temperature.
* If there are infected people in your neighborhood, avoid being in close contact with them as you might get infected as well.
* Wash your hands enough to keep them free of germs.
* As much as cold weather does not make you thirsty, drink enough fluids so that your body stays hydrated. If water is not appealing enough, drink warm water or tea or lime.
* Ensure that the house is clean and disinfected, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
* Avoid exposure to dust and pollen as they carry lots of germs.
* Avoid staying in a poorly ventilated room; enough circulation ensures germs are not concentrated in one room./PN
