The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that the La Niña, a phenomenon which increases the likelihood of having above-normal rainfall conditions, is likely to end in February.
During a live broadcast on Thursday, PAGASA senior weather specialist Chris Perez “La Niña is currently affecting the country. That’s why some parts of the Philippines are experiencing near to above-normal rainfall during the previous month and the current month,”
Perez added that the end to La Niña could be next month. After La Niña, it is forecasted that a return to a neutral phase of El Niño – Southern Oscillation, or the recurring climate pattern across the tropical Pacific.
“Onwards, we will experience normal climate conditions,” Perez said.
The above normal rainfall triggered by La Niña could result in heavy rain, floods, flash floods and landslides all over the country.
The senior weather specialist also said that there will be zero to one tropical cyclone expected to develop inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Currently, the state weather bureau monitoring the low pressure area seen 355 kilometers east southeast of Surigao del Norte. The weather disturbance has a low chance of becoming a cyclone but it, along with the shear line, will bring rain to southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that there are more than 430,000 individuals affected by the recent low pressure areas.
OCD said that ten people reportedly died, four were injured, while two individuals remained missing.
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