The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has officially declared the arrival of the El Niño phenomenon in the Philippines.
This weather event is expected to bring about drought conditions and dry spells, particularly towards the end of the year and throughout the first quarter of 2024.
In a press briefing led by officer-in-charge Esperanza Cayanan on Tuesday, Pagasa issued Advisory 1, urging concerned government agencies to make necessary preparations as the effects of El Niño will be felt in certain areas of the country.
Ana Liza Solis, the chief of Pagasa’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, stated, “With this announcement, we are formally acknowledging the onset of the El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, which will subsequently impact our country.”
It’s important to note, however, that the official declaration does not imply that the phenomenon is already present within the country.
Cayanan further explained that prior to the full impact of El Niño, the Philippines is expected to experience the arrival of 10 to 14 storms from July to November. Following this period, the effects of El Niño, characterized by dry spells and drought, will begin to be felt starting in September and continue until the first quarter of 2024. (Amado Inigo/MNM)
