Pinoys told to prepare for El Niño

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos were advised yesterday to brace for below normal rainfall in the last quarter of the year, as scientists are predicting the development of a “weak to moderate strength” El Niño during this period.

However, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that tropical cyclones during the early months of El Niño are stronger.

Tropical Storm Ondoy dumped excessive rain in Metro Manila and nearby areas on Sept. 26, 2009 when El Niño affected the country.

Acting PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano said below normal rainfall is likely in most areas of Luzon and the Visayas. Near normal rainfall conditions are expected over Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Albay, Eastern and Central Visayas and most areas of Mindanao in the months of October, November and December, he said.

Malano said most dynamical and statistical models favor El Niño to develop during the remaining portions of 2014.

“Moreover, way below to below normal is probable over the country during December, except for Leyte, Northeastern Mindanao and Sarangani, which may receive near normal rainfall conditions,” he said.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Administration (NOAA) has reported an 80 percent chance that the climate phenomenon will develop later this year.