The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned of above normal rainfall during the first quarter of this year.
This as PAGASA reported that La Niña is already present in the Tropical Pacific.
“Periods of cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that started in September 2024 continue to persist and further strengthened reaching the La Niña conditions threshold in December 2024, as shown by the recent oceanic and atmospheric indicators,” PAGASA said in a statement.
It said the La Niña condition “will continue at least until the JFM (January, February, March) 2025 season as suggested by several climate models.”
“With this development, higher chances of above-normal rainfall in the January-February-March season are expected, which may cause floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides,” PAGASA said.
“Furthermore, an increased chance of tropical cyclone activity within the Philippine Area of Responsibility during the period is likely,” added PAGASA.
La Niña is a climate pattern that is characterized by above average rains. This phenomenon is the opposite of El Niño, which increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions that may lead to dry spells and droughts.
PAGASA said it will continue to monitor the country’s weather and climatic conditions. “Meanwhile, the public and all concerned agencies are advised to monitor relevant PAGASA information regularly.”
