El Niño likely to begin in 2nd half of 2023 – PAGASA

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 23) — Brace for warmer days in the coming months as El Niño is likely to begin in the second half of the year, the state weather bureau said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the ENSO-neutral condition — or neither La Niña nor El Niño — is expected to continue between July and August.

PAGASA further noted that there is an "increased likelihood" for the country to transition to El Niño or the warm weather pattern between July to September and that may persist until 2024.

The state weather bureau has also hoisted an El Niño Watch, which is issued when the probability of an El Niño is 55% or more within the next six months.

PAGASA warned that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country.