Public urged to save water as drought looms

MANILA, Philippines - The state weather bureau strongly urged the public yesterday to conserve water as drought is expected to hit as much as 80 percent of the country from March to April.

The areas that will likely experience drought during the summer months include the provinces of Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, where major dams are located, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA defines drought as three consecutive months of way below normal rainfall condition or more than 60 percent reduction from average rainfall.

Rains from Typhoon Nona (international name Melor) last month significantly increased the water level of major dams in Luzon, including Angat Dam in Bulacan, where Metro Manila gets most of its water supply.

However, the agency said it expects less tropical cyclones to enter the country in the first half of the year as the country continues to experience El Niño. The country relies on rainfall to fill its dams.

Based on its climate outlook, PAGASA expects zero to one tropical cyclone per month from January to April, while one to two per month are expected in May and June.

PAGASA said latest climate forecasts showed a significant reduction in rainfall up to May this year in most parts of the country.

Last year, only 15 tropical cyclones entered the Philippine area of responsibility, lower than the average 19 to 20 cyclones annually.

Warmer weather

 PAGASA also warned the public of slightly warmer weather during the months of January and February, the usual peak of the northeast monsoon.

However, it said cold temperature surges may still be experienced during these months.

PAGASA also expects an early termination of the northeast monsoon due to the El Niño.

The northeast monsoon, or cold air from China and Siberia, is expected to end in February, it said.

No tropical cyclone

Meanwhile, generally fair weather will prevail over the country in the next two days with chances of isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, PAGASA said.

By Thursday until Jan. 11, cloudy skies with light rains will be experienced over Cagayan Valley, Ilocos region and Cordillera due to the surge of the northeast monsoon.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains.

The Visayas and Mindanao will have generally fair weather with chances of isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

No tropical cyclone is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility throughout the outlook period, PAGASA said.