Sinulog revelers warned against sudden rains, gusty winds

Local

AS Sinulog draws massive crowds into Cebu’s streets, weather officials warned that the festivities will coincide with dangerous heat levels.

Sudden rains and gusty winds from Tropical Depression (TD) Ada are also expected to affect the celebration.

Pagasa-Visayas said the heat index across Cebu could rise to 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, placing the province under “extreme caution” even as religious processions and street festivities peak.

In a special weather bulletin issued at 5 a.m. on Jan. 15, Pagasa said TD Ada was last located about 485 kilometers east of Surigao City, carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and moving northwestward at 20 kph.

For Thursday, January 15, Cebu can expect mostly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated light to moderate rains or thunderstorms likely in the afternoon or evening.

While air temperatures may stay between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, high humidity is expected to push “feels-like” temperatures into risky territory.

Conditions are forecast to worsen on Friday, Jan. 16, particularly in northern and central Cebu, where Pagasa sees a high chance of scattered to at times heavy rains from morning until evening.

Southern Cebu may experience fewer showers, but heat index values could still reach 36 degrees Celsius, falling between caution and extreme caution levels.

By Saturday, Jan. 17, rain chances remain elevated in northern and central Cebu, while stronger winds are expected over northern coastal areas.

Pagasa warned of rough seas, with waves reaching up to 3.7 meters, advising small seacraft to exercise caution.

Despite intermittent rains, the threat of heat-related illness is expected to persist.

Clearer skies are forecast for Sunday and Monday, when the heat index could spike to 33 to 38 degrees Celsius, again placing Cebu under extreme caution.

The timing coincides with major Sinulog activities, including long dawn processions and the grand street parade, where participants and spectators are exposed to the elements for extended periods.

Pagasa urged the public to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take frequent breaks, especially children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions.

Event organizers were likewise advised to ensure water stations and medical teams are readily available.

While Cebu remains outside areas under tropical cyclone wind signal, Pagasa said outer rain bands and enhanced monsoon winds linked to Ada may still affect the province.(TGP)