MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced on Friday that the El Niño phenomenon, which has been affecting the country, has officially concluded.
According to Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando, conditions in the tropical Pacific have returned to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral levels, marking the end of the weather phenomenon responsible for dry spells and droughts across various regions of the Philippines.
Servando indicated a “69 percent probability” of transitioning from ENSO-neutral to La Niña during the July-August-September season.
“With these developments, we are issuing the final advisory for El Niño (2023-2024). The Pagasa ENSO Alert and Warning System is now lowered to inactive (ENSO-neutral), although the La Niña Watch remains in effect,” stated Servando.
Despite the ongoing southwest monsoon or “habagat,” the residual effects of El Niño, such as warmer-than-average surface temperatures and below-normal rainfall, may persist in some parts of the country.
(el Amigo/MNM)