PAGASA Urges Gov't to Prepare for Possible Effects of El Niño | ANC

Why It Matters

El Niño threatens to intensify heat, drought and storm damage, jeopardizing public health and the Philippines’ agricultural and economic stability.

Key Takeaways

• Pagasa predicts 80% chance of El Niño June‑August.
• Temperatures may hit 33‑40°C across Luzon by June.
• Drought already affecting 15 Luzon provinces, including Pangasinan.
• El Niño could produce fewer but stronger typhoons, intensifying damage.
• Government urged to ready health, infrastructure for heat‑related risks.

Summary

The Philippine weather agency Pagasa has issued an El Niño alert, warning that there is an 80 percent probability the climate pattern will develop between June and August, potentially lasting until early 2027. The agency says the phenomenon is likely to materialize in the second half of the year, prompting a nationwide call for preparedness.

Model projections show maximum temperatures of 33‑40 °C in northern and lowland Luzon by May‑June, with Metro Manila expected to reach 35‑38 °C. Already, 15 provinces—including Pangasinan—are experiencing drought conditions. Pagasa notes that El Niño typically brings reduced rainfall and can generate fewer but more intense typhoons, as storms have more time to strengthen over open water.

Officials likened the ocean’s temperature rise to a human fever, describing a ‘very hot’ state at 1.5‑1.9 °C above normal and a ‘convulsion’ at stronger levels. They cited the 2009 Typhoon Ondoy as a reminder of how amplified storms can devastate communities, and Bagaza warned the episode could persist through early 2027.

The alert urges local government units and health agencies to bolster disease‑prevention measures, protect critical infrastructure, and secure water supplies. Failure to act could exacerbate heat‑related illnesses, agricultural losses, and economic disruption across the archipelago.

Original Description

The Philippines is bracing for the possible impact of El Niño, which is expected to kick in by the second half of the year, as several provinces are already experiencing dry spells and drought. — Report from Raphael Bosano, ABS-CBN News