THE PHILIPPINES is expected to experience generally near normal rainfall conditions in August due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, the state weather bureau said at the weekend.
In an El Niño advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said some areas in western Luzon would likely get above normal rainfall.
“The probabilistic forecast also suggests higher chances for above normal rainfall conditions in Luzon, while near to above normal in the Visayas and Mindanao,” PAGASA said.
This is amid high chances of below-normal rainfall conditions that may bring dry spells and droughts in some areas of the Philippines, it said.
In July, PAGASA declared the onset of El Niño that is expected to last until the first quarter of 2024, showing signs of strengthening in the coming months.
“However, the enhanced southwest monsoon season is still expected, which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country,” it said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
