Filipinos have this feeling of hotness and humidity in the air. Ever since the end of the holiday season, we experienced the heat everywhere, even in Baguio after the reported 9 degree temperature there.
Now, a majority of Filipinos are feeling extremely hot because of the temperature of our overall country. In addition to this, there was a report by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) that there will be a vernal equinox happening.
Read: Top Destinations to Spend Christmas Here in the Philippines
What is a vernal equinox?
A Vernal Equinox is an equinox and this occurs exactly when the Sun is above the equator exactly. What this does is that it equalizes the number of hours in a day and during the night; making it the same number of hours.
As per the PAGASA, days will become longer after the sun passes the vernal equinox on the 21st of March, 2019. It is more commonly known as the First Point of Aries – an imaginary place in the sky where the ecliptic and the celestial equator meets.
On the 21st of March 2019, before 6:00 A.M., the sun will reach this point; this also marks the start of spring in the northern hemisphere and autumn (fall) in the southern hemisphere of the globe.
Daylight hours, which are longer, will start a one (1) day or two (2) days after the equinox in the country. This is placed a little above the equator and this will belong to the northern hemisphere of the globe, as per PAGASA.
What effects could this bring?
Since we Filipinos are now experiencing somewhat annoying scorching heat, we can have the expectation the this occurrence can slightly raise the normal temperatures of the environment.
On the flip side, PAGASA was not able to give specifics as to how hot the temperature will be. All they said was that we need to expect higher than normal temperatures than what we are currently experiencing now.
So, some of the negative effects that this can bring that would be directed to us people would be:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Heat Stroke
- Nuisance in the daily routine
- Difficulty in breathing
Read: Home Remedies for Fever
Dry season
In addition to that temperature, PAGASA also made a mention that they might declare the beginning of the dry season on the last week of March. They will do this when the easterlies continue on over the whole of the Philippines.
So, if you plant crops or if you have anything that can be affected by the heat and the sudden increase in the temperature, better prepare for what’s about to come because it’s as serious as it can get according to the weather bureau.
How can Filipinos prepare for the dry season?
As much as we would love to say that we can definitely cope with this kind of weather (because we’re used to it), it’s still not safe to wander around under the sun a hundred percent of the time.
In addition to that, it’s not healthy to stay under this type of temperature because during this season, the chances of dehydration are much greater.
So what things can you do to be able to cope with this type of temperature?
People who would attend to work during this season could suffer a lot of changes they need to meet in order for them to maintain their health. These are some of the things that everyone needs to take note of:
Read: Possible P12 Jeepney Fare, to be Tried Due to Higher Gas Price Hike
At home
- Expect that your electricity bill will go over the roof because you will need to utilize electric fans, air conditioning units, and coolers during this time.
- Be sure to set up curtains and blinds to avoid direct ray of sunlight to enter your home. This is an important part because this can actually be a source of the extreme temperature in your homes.
- If you live at a location where you know heat is trapped, be sure to make necessary adjustments before dawn because it’s easier for you to work during the day.
- Try and gather up all of the equipment you need to keep you and your families refreshed. There were cases of heat stroke and dehydration inside homes, if you were not aware.
- Ensure that you keep sufficient amount of food and snacks at home. During this season, you can’t just leave immediately when you want to because staying under scorching heat for longer periods of time can damage you and your body.
- To cool yourself, place damp towels and ice all over your body if you feel the need to do so when you are at home and you want to save on your electricity bills.
- Take a shower at least twice (2) every day so that your body can effectively cope with the external temperature and environment.
- Before you sleep at night (especially if your house is accumulating heat), cool your bedroom two (2) to three (3) hours before you actually go to bed so that you don’t wake up with a puddle of sweat in the morning.
While traveling
- Make sure to keep yourself hydrated all the time. If you are traveling, make sure you carry around a bottle of water for emergency purposes.
- Heat stroke is something serious; it is when your body does not absorb the needed amount of fluids it should because the temperature disallows your body to do so. Be sure to drink plenty of water during these times.
- Increase your intake of fluids during this season. It might discourage you because you will always feel tired but drinking more and more water can actually replace your feeling of fatigue.
Read: No Vaccination, No Enrollment Policy – Suggested by DOH
People with illnesses and conditions
People who have illnesses and conditions such as renal, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases are at high risk during this hot season. Why? Because the temperature can trigger some of their illnesses and conditions and this might not be the best time for these people to do what they normally do in a day.
So, if you have any of these conditions, make sure to go over the tips we gave above to ensure that you will get to where you are going safe and sound.
After the vernal equinox, the days will be longer; that can be translated to hotter and higher temperatures during the day. So, be sure to prepare yourself and your families for this because this is not a joke – these temperatures can actually have huge effects to the health of everyone so keep safe and hydrate!
