The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued an El Niño Watch on Wednesday, March 25, warning of possible severe drought conditions in the coming months.
According to the state weather bureau, La Niña officially ended on March 9, placing the country in a “neutral phase.” Climate models now indicate a 55% chance that El Niño will develop between July and September this year.
El Niño, described as the “warm phase” of the climate cycle, occurs when sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rise.
This phenomenon often leads to reduced rainfall or below-normal precipitation, resulting in dry spells and potentially severe drought.
PAGASA noted, however, that areas in the western part of the country may still experience above-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon or habagat season.