PAGASA: Heat waves unlikely, but stronger typhoons possible due to El Niño

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 19) — There is a low chance that Filipinos will experience heat waves, but stronger tropical cyclones may be witnessed during El Niño, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

According to Analiza Solis, a Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA representative, heat waves usually occur in “temperate countries.”

“Nandito tayo sa tropical countries so natural na warm, mataas yung temperature,” she said during a briefing on Wednesday.

[Translation: We’re here in a tropical countriy so a warm and high temperature is natural.]

Meanwhile, Solis said that the country can still see from 8 to 11 typhoons until January 2024.

Asked if Filipinos should brace for stronger typhoons, Solis said there is a “possibility.”

“Kasi mainit yung temperature sa Pacific Ocean, favorable siya sa tropical cyclone formation. Usually kapag El Niño napaka-erratic yung track ng ating bagyo,” she said.

[Translation: Because the temperature in the Pacific Ocean is high, it is favorable for tropical cyclone formation. Usually during El Niño, the track of our typhoon is very erratic.]

Starting in October, there would be a reduction in rainfall, with the effects of El Niño seen to last until the first half of 2024.

Other agencies, especially those focusing on energy, water, and food are already preparing measures to cushion the impact of the phenomenon.