El Niño expected to reach peak in August–Pagasa

The El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to reach its peak in August, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has said.

In a press briefing aired on radio, Pagasa Climate Impact Monitoring officer in charge Joseph Lucerio said El Niño may weaken by January next year and end in May.

“The sea surface temperature is expected to increase by August and will last until the end of this year as we enter 2016,” he said.

For the month of June, provinces likely to be affected by drought include Apayao, Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Palawan, Pampanga, Rizal, Sorsogon, Tarlac, South Cotabato and Zambales.

Stronger storms

Analiza Solis, senior weather specialist of Pagasa, said 11 to 16 tropical cyclones had been forecast for June to December.

Based on historical data, storms are “more disastrous” when El Niño prevails, depending on winds and rainfall.

In 2009-2010, a moderate to strong El Niño was in effect. Solis noted that the strong typhoons then included “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

The El Niño weather phenomenon is associated with dry conditions, decreased rainfall and warmer air temperatures. RC