HOT! Things to bring when going out

STATE weather bureau PAGASA has not officially announced the onset of the dry season in the Philippines yet, but the scorching weather that Filipinos are experiencing makes it feel as though it has begun.

Several areas in the country, including Metro Manila, suspended face-to-face classes in public and private schools on Monday due to the high heat index. Even on Friday, March 7, classes at all levels in public and private schools in some provinces have been cancelled.

PAGASA reported that the heat index in Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Iba, Zambales; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and Cuyo, Palawan could reach 42°C  on Friday. This is already under the “danger” level, posing health risks like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke with prolonged exposure.

As the temperature continues to soar, Filipinos have been constantly reminded to protect themselves if they are going out in the heat.

Here are some of the must-haves people should carry in their everyday bag:

• Umbrella or baseball-style caps – An umbrella is something that will never not be included in an individual’s everyday bag, whether during the dry or wet season. Umbrellas absorb heat and sunlight during the dry season, protecting one’s body from harmful UV rays. Baseball-style caps also keep the sunlight off a person’s face and head, aside from adding style to their outfit of the day (OOTD).

• Sunglasses – Aside from a baseball-style cap, another addition to the fashion and protection from the sun is sunglasses. They protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes from the sun glare, which causes headaches and migraines and affects one’s vision.

• Portable fan – When a person is not in a shady spot, portable fans can keep them cool anywhere they go. These rechargeable and handheld fans have been among the trending “budol” items among members of Generation Z because they are convenient, easy to use, and an affordable source of strong airflow for cooling.

• Cooling wipes – Concertgoers have probably heard a lot about cooling wipes. It is one of the concert essentials that helps them stay clean and fresh as they line up under the heat. From being a concert essential, cooling wipes have become a daily necessity that provides a cooling sensation that soothes and revitalizes one’s skin.

• Tumbler – Filipinos have been constantly reminded to keep themselves well hydrated, which is why bringing a tumbler filled with water to the school or office is important. The Department of Health (DOH) previously advised Filipinos to drink at least three liters a day to prevent heat stroke.

• Candies – The hot weather can also raise the risk for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels, and hard candies are helpful to address it. Candies can immediately relieve symptoms of hypoglycemia such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, and hunger.

Transition to dry season

In an interview with Unang Balita, the scorching weather Filipinos have been dealing with this March is “normal,” as the Philippines enters the transition period from wet to dry season.

“Kapag ganitong panahon ng Marso ay unti-unting na rin talaga natin na nararanasan itong mainit na panahon,” said PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda.

“Sa ngayon, nagkakaroon lang tayo ng mga breaks doon sa Amihan natin dahil nga transition period tayo,” she continued, adding that temperatures will continue to get warmer in the coming days.

Last year, PAGASA declared the start of the dry season in the country on March 22, as it dealt with the effects of El Niño.