Hey there!🔥
If you know me, you know hot is not in my vocabulary. Between Kinder, my Alaskan Malamute, and my aircon set to 16 on full blast, I take heat very seriously. My friends know it too. Whenever I'm the one driving, they show up with jackets, and they let me crank the AC way down even though they're freezing in the passenger seat. Love them for it. So when PAGASA said a Strong El Niño is already active, I paid attention. 🌡️
What is El Niño, exactly?
El Niño is the warm phase of a natural climate pattern called ENSO. Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific run warmer than average, and that shift changes weather patterns far beyond the ocean, including ours. 🌊
What does El Niño mean for the Philippines?
Usually, warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall. That can mean dry spells and even drought, which affects our water supply, food, energy, and public health. Fewer tropical cyclones tend to form, though some can still be strong, and the habagat may still bring heavy rain to western parts of the country. As of PAGASA's September 23 advisory, the El Niño may intensify into a Very Strong one between September and December 2026 and last through the first half of 2027. So we're planning for months, not weeks. 🌾
Why do we get headaches and dizzy in the heat?
When you sweat more and don't replace fluids, you can get dehydrated. Reviews suggest dehydration alone may trigger headaches, and it often makes existing headache problems worse. Research linking temperature to migraine is still limited and mixed, so I won't overpromise here. For me, a headache or dizzy spell in the heat is the cue to drink water and cool down. That's usually the moment my friends hand me the water bottle and ask why I'm still standing in the sun. 💧
How can we stay comfortable during a long dry season?
Sip water through the day instead of waiting until you're thirsty. Wear light, breathable clothes, avoid the midday sun, and keep the bedroom cool at night. If you're like me, you'll also want a friend or two who will happily freeze for your comfort. If you don't have one, a cooling towel or a mini fan is a good backup. I also like keeping my health on point and my inflammation low, just like my temperature 😝, and that's where Oleia Softgels come in as part of our daily wellness habits, with no warm oil on your skin. They support your routine, but they're not a cure for heat-related symptoms. If dizziness is severe or doesn't go away, please see a doctor. 🩺
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don't forget your water bottle. Oh, and please take care of young children, the elderly, and your pets too! It's going to be hot, folks! 🔥
Show me your bottle and I'll show you mine? 'Til next time! ☀️
xo, L.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12370836/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11916-021-00966-z
https://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/press-release/225
