Cagayan de Oro sizzles to ‘extreme caution’ level at 41°C

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) here hoisted an “extreme caution” warning on Wednesday as the heat index reached a scorching 41°C.

But CDRRMD’s two-day forecast for Thursday, October 22, is that the heat index is expected to hit the “danger” warning level of 42°C.

Under these sweltering conditions, the CDRRMD warned that prolonged heat exposure could trigger heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and may ultimately result in heat stroke.

READ: Olongapo heat index hits ‘danger level’ of 44.6°C

Emmylou Nabe, a resident of a relocation site in Barangay Indahag, grounded her 15-year-old son and refused to let him leave their home.

“No matter how important the school errand is, I refuse to let him leave. I just texted his teacher instead,” Nabe told the Inquirer.

To mitigate health risks, the local government strongly advised the public to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and wear light clothing.

“Residents are urged to closely monitor the health of vulnerable family members, particularly children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing illnesses. In case of emergencies, the public is advised to dial 911,” the CDRRMD advisory read in part.

This localized heat aligns with broader climate patterns impacting the region.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that low-elevation areas in Mindanao, particularly urban centers like this city, are expected to experience relatively high daytime temperatures.

The state weather bureau attributed these abnormally warm and dry conditions to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon, which climate models project will persist through the first half of 2027./coa