NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PAGASA: El Nino Present In Tropical Pacific Region
Dost_pagasa holds a press conference to give updates about the El Niño phenomenon today, July 4. Screengrab from Dost_pagasa
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced today that El Niño is currently present in the tropical Pacific and is expected to persist until the first quarter of 2024.
The recent climate monitoring and analyses conducted by PAGASA indicate that the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific, which was first detected in March 2023, has developed into a weak El Niño, with indications of strengthening in the coming months.
The upgraded El Niño Alert, previously issued by PAGASA in May 2023, is now classified as an El Niño Advisory. El Niño is known to increase the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which can lead to various negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in affected areas. Sectors that heavily rely on climate conditions, including water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety, may experience adverse effects.
While El Niño typically results in decreased rainfall, it is noteworthy that the western part of the country may still expect above-normal rainfall conditions during the Southwest monsoon season, also known as Habagat. This phenomenon can bring relief to certain regions, although the overall impacts of El Niño are expected to be felt towards the last quarter of this year and the first half of 2024, leading to dry spells across most areas of the country.
In light of these developments, PAGASA urges all concerned agencies and the general public to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of El Niño. It is crucial to prepare for the possible consequences, such as water scarcity, reduced agricultural yields, and increased risk of wildfires.
The recent climate monitoring and analyses conducted by PAGASA indicate that the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific, which was first detected in March 2023, has developed into a weak El Niño, with indications of strengthening in the coming months.
The upgraded El Niño Alert, previously issued by PAGASA in May 2023, is now classified as an El Niño Advisory. El Niño is known to increase the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which can lead to various negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in affected areas. Sectors that heavily rely on climate conditions, including water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety, may experience adverse effects.
While El Niño typically results in decreased rainfall, it is noteworthy that the western part of the country may still expect above-normal rainfall conditions during the Southwest monsoon season, also known as Habagat. This phenomenon can bring relief to certain regions, although the overall impacts of El Niño are expected to be felt towards the last quarter of this year and the first half of 2024, leading to dry spells across most areas of the country.
In light of these developments, PAGASA urges all concerned agencies and the general public to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of El Niño. It is crucial to prepare for the possible consequences, such as water scarcity, reduced agricultural yields, and increased risk of wildfires.
Jul 4, 2023
