PAGASA: 'Very Strong' El Niño Develops — 87 Provinces at Risk of Drought by March–April Next Year

PAGASA: 'Very Strong' El Niño Develops — 87 Provinces at Risk of Drought by March–April Next Year

📌 On Wednesday, November 4, the Philippine weather agency (PAGASA) said at a House Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing that a 'very strong' El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific. El Niño is expected to peak before the end of the year and continue through the first quarter of 2027, and in March–April next year 87 provinces could experience meteorological drought.

■ What's Changing
· Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA's Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, said, 'Most climate models show this El Niño continuing through the first quarter of 2027.'
· According to BusinessMirror, the number of provinces experiencing meteorological drought could rise from 5 as of October 31 to 26 in December, 48 in January, 68 in February, and 87 in March–April, and some areas could see rainfall drop by more than 60%.
· Nationwide temperatures will be higher than normal, and daytime temperatures in lowland areas could reach or exceed 39.5 degrees. GMA reported that nationwide temperatures are expected to rise by 2 degrees.
· PAGASA added that even during El Niño, 1–2 typhoons may form or affect the country in November–December.

■ Tips for Residents and Travelers
· PAGASA warned that water supply could become tight if the stretch of days with little rain grows longer, so prepare ahead, for example by storing water at home.
· When going out at midday, bring water and take frequent breaks in the shade.

■ Sources
GMA News (11/4), BusinessMirror (11/4)

■ Photo
· File photo · Sky under the blazing sun — GMA News