Voters reminded to prepare for warm weather on election day

Local

PREPARE for the heat, bring an umbrella, and stay hydrated.

This might be the advice of weather authorities to voters in Cebu and other parts of the country as the 2025 national and local elections unfold on Monday, May 12.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Cebu will experience warm and humid weather on election day, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Light to moderate winds from the southeast to northeast are expected, and coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, making travel and logistics relatively smooth.

Though skies will be partly cloudy to cloudy for most of the day, Pagasa warned of possible isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

These brief downpours may affect voters still heading to or leaving polling precincts later in the day.

In a special weather outlook released ahead of the polls, Pagasa identified the Easterlies, a warm and moist wind flow from the Pacific Ocean, as the dominant weather system affecting Cebu and most parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

This, combined with generally clear skies in the morning, increases the likelihood of heat build-up followed by sudden convective rain.

“The public is advised to take precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses such as fatigue, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion,” it said.

Voters are encouraged to wear light-colored and breathable clothing, carry drinking water, use umbrellas or hats for sun protection, and take breaks in shaded or well-ventilated areas.

Elsewhere in the country, the Frontal System will bring more unsettled weather to northern Luzon, particularly in Batanes, Apayao, and Cagayan, where scattered rains and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the day.

Isabela, Ilocos Norte, and the Cordillera Administrative Region will see clearer weather in the morning but could experience cloudy conditions and rain later in the day.

Despite these developments, Election Day weather across most of the country remains generally favorable for voting activities, Pagasa said, with no major storms or widespread disruptions expected.

Cebuanos heading to the polls are advised to plan their voting early in the day to avoid the heat and potential afternoon rains, and to stay informed through Pagasa’s updates via its official website and social media channels.(TGP)