Improved weather on Sinulog seen

Local

DESPITE the predominantly bad weather experienced in Cebu on Friday, Jan. 16, weather conditions are expected to improve in the coming days.

This eases concerns over the scheduled seaborne procession, commonly referred to as fluvial procession, and other major activities of the 461st Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival, according to the state weather bureau.

Jhomer Eclarino, chief weather forecaster at Pagasa-Mactan, said rains associated with Tropical Depression Ada are expected to persist only until Friday evening.

In an interview on Friday, Jan. 16, Eclarino said no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is expected to be hoisted over Central Cebu during the fluvial procession, clearing vessels to proceed as scheduled.

He added that Sunday is forecast to generally have fair weather, although the public is advised to take precautions as Pagasa is predicting a high heat index that may reach extreme caution levels.

Eclarino is advising the public to bring drinkable water, umbrellas and other protective gear from the elements.

Tropical Depression Ada, the first weather disturbance to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year, has affected several areas in Mindanao and Eastern Visayas and may still bring strong winds to parts of Central Visayas, particularly northern Cebu, according to Pagasa.

Eclarino said Pagasa is not ruling out the possibility that strong winds from the center of Tropical Depression Ada may reach the northern portion of Cebu.

The tropical depression is expected to make landfall or pass close to Eastern Visayas by Friday, January 16, or early Saturday, January 17, before potentially threatening Catanduanes over the weekend.

Pagasa also said Ada may intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours and could further strengthen over the Philippine Sea.

Pagasa warned of moderate to rough seas in several coastal areas, with waves reaching up to four meters along the seaboards of Ilocos Norte, Catanduanes, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, several local government units in Cebu have suspended classes on Friday.

The affected areas include San Remigio, Bantayan, Catmon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Compostela, Tabogon, Bogo City, and Cordova.

Authorities advised parents, students, and school personnel to stay updated as more LGUs may issue advisories throughout the day.(MyTVCebu)