Cagayan de Oro braces for 39°C heat index

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Residents are urged to take immediate precautions as the city faces dangerous heat, with the heat index forecast to spike to 39°C by Saturday, Oct. 17.

In a Thursday advisory, the City Information Office released a two-day forecast placing today’s heat index at 37°C and tomorrow’s at 39°C. Both days are categorized under “Extreme Caution.”

At these temperatures, health authorities warn that heat cramps and heat exhaustion may occur, while continued activity in the heat could lead to heat stroke.

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READ: ‘Very strong El Niño’ to persist in PH until early 2027 – PagasaCity Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department chief Nick Jabagat issued a direct warning for residents to take precautions against the high heat index.

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“Avoid prolonged exposure to hot environments, drink plenty of water, and wear light clothing. Monitor the health condition, especially of children, the elderly, and the sick,” Jabagat said,

The soaring heat index aligns with regional climate outlooks from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). 

According to the state weather bureau, lowland areas, including this city, are expected to experience relatively high daytime temperatures consistent with the generally above-average temperature outlook associated with prevailing El Niño conditions.

For October 2026, the maximum temperature range for lowland Mindanao is projected to reach between 33°C and 37.7°C. 

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Pagasa pointed out that the strengthening El Niño signal increases the likelihood of prolonged below-normal rainfall and warmer-than-average temperatures heading into early 2027.

Jabagat reminded residents to call 911 immediately in case of extreme-heat-related emergencies./coa