PAGASA raises El Niño Alert

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 2) — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday raised the El Niño Alert status as it expects the weather phenomenon to emerge in the coming months starting June.

“Recent conditions and model forecasts indicate that El Niño may emerge in the coming season (June-July-August) at 80% probability and may persist until the first quarter of 2024,” PAGASA said in a statement. “With this development, the PAGASA El Niño Southern Oscillation Alert and Warning System is now raised to El Niño Alert.”

The state weather bureau explained that it raises the El Niño Alert status when present conditions show that the development of the phenomenon in the next two months has a probability of 70% or more.

PAGASA warned that El Niño may cause below-normal rainfall conditions, which could negatively affect some parts of the country. It noted that dry spells and droughts may be experienced.

The bureau also said it will continue monitoring the development of the climate pattern, and reminded the public to implement precautionary measures against the impact of El Niño.

PAGASA earlier warned that the heat index in parts of the country, including Metro Manila, will remain at around 40°C in the following weeks.

Based on the bureau’s latest projection, the heat index can go as high as 43°C on Tuesday which may be experienced in Science Garden in Quezon City, Metro Manila, and in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte.

Classified as “danger,” this level of heat index may lead to heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is also possible with continued exposure.