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BE READY, PREPARE. “PAGASA’s Weather Services Chief, Anthony Joseph Lucero, urges community preparedness as he discusses the region’s weather outlook in a press conference at SM Downtown Premiere, Cagayan De Oro, on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Mimi Bañaria)

By MIMI BAÑARIA, GSD intern

AMIDST scorching temperatures, the people of Northern Mindanao are experiencing the brunt of the dry season, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to advise readiness for the challenging conditions ahead.

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PAGASA’s Weather Services Chief, Anthony Joseph Lucero, is calling on the community to prepare for the worst of it. 

In a press conference held at SM Downtown Premiere in Cagayan De Oro on April 24, 2024, Lucero even discussed the weather situation and what lies ahead for the region.

Lucero highlighted PAGASA’s efforts to keep the public informed, reminding them that warnings about the heat season were issued six months in advance. 

“We have been consistently reminding the people about the upcoming heat season 6 months ahead of time,” he said, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for such extreme weather conditions.

With temperatures soaring, Lucero advised the public to brace for the peak of the dry season. 

Despite the current discomfort, Lucero offered reassurance that the rainy season is on the horizon, expected to begin in a few weeks and bring cooler, more comfortable weather.

He also addressed the issue of water scarcity and the possibility of cloud seeding. 

He explained that cloud seeding is not a guaranteed solution for the lack of rain and encouraged residents to make the best of the dry season by engaging in agricultural activities suited to the conditions, such as cultivating crops and fruits that are less dependent on heavy rainfall.

The PAGASA chief assured those present that the water levels should normalize once the rainy season starts in May. 

He also clarified the difference between the heat index, which measures how hot it feels, and the actual temperature, pointing out that the highest temperature recorded in the region was 38 degrees Celsius.

As the event wrapped up, Lucero called for patience and cautioned against overreacting to the heat. 

He reminded everyone that the dry season is a temporary phase, and that cooler days are ahead.

The press conference left the people of Northern Mindanao with a better understanding of the current heat situation and confidence in PAGASA’s continuous efforts to monitor and advise on the weather conditions. 

Residents now know what to expect and how to prepare for the remaining days of the dry season according to Lucero.

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