LA Niña, the climate pattern characterized by above average rains, may hit the country starting next month, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
“Based on our monitoring, there is 60 percent chance that La Niña will start by the end of September or October,” said weather specialist Ariel Rojas, adding the country will experience more rains than normal. “But it does not mean non-stop.”
Rojas said the La Niña may last until next year.
The US Ocean Service says La Niña episodes “represent periods of below-average sea surface temperatures across the east-central Equatorial Pacific.” It said La Niña occur on the average of two to seven years and typically lasts for nine to 12 months.
Roxas also said PAGASA expects seven to 10 typhoons to hit the country until February next year.
The agency has monitored a low pressure area off Camarines Norte but it is unlikely to intensify into a tropical depression within 24 to 48 hours.
As of yesterday morning, the LPA was located some 925 kms east of Daet, Camarines Norte.
