By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Feeling the heat lately?
You are not alone, as these rising temperatures indicate the possibility of drier-than-usual conditions that would exist across the country for the next few months, according to the state weather bureau.
In a social media post late Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued an El Niño alert citing trends about the emergence of this phenomenon that may develop from June-August and last until early 2027.
During this period, there is a 79% chance of dry climate and droughts taking place nationwide, but this may be reduced by above-normal rainfall that may be experienced over the country’s western section during the southwest monsoon (habagat) season.
The PAGASA statement read, “El Niño is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the Philippine Sea and warmer-than-average SSTs in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific (CEEP).”
Characterized by below-average rainfall, the prevalence of hot weather might affect energy and agriculture sectors, as well as limit the availability of water resources.
In this regard, the state weather bureau said that it will closely monitor further developments on this phenomenon, advising the citizenry and concerned agencies to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against the impacts of El Niño.
jpv
