Less rain, 33°C temp as weak El Niño begins

Expect less rain starting next month until May, a weather official said on Friday, Feb. 22.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared that a “weak El Niño” has started, causing less rain and more heat in the coming months.

Engr. Al Quiblat, Pagasa Visayas acting weather chief, said in Cebu, a dry spell is expected starting March while the amount of rainfall for the rest of February will be less than the normal average of 18 millimeters per month.

A dry spell happens when there is less rain in three consecutive months.

Based on Pagasa’s 30-year historical data, March usually has an average rainfall of 60 millimeters while April has 50 millimeters.

With a weak El Niño, expect less than the average rainfall on those months, Quiblat said.

The temperature and heat index is expected to rise as well from March to May.

Quiblat said temperatures are expected to rise up to 33 degrees Celsius within the next three months while the heat index or the overall body temperature is expected to climb to 40 degrees Celsius.

He advised those with pre-existing health conditions to avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours to avoid heat stroke.

He also urged the public especially the farmers and water suppliers to not be complacent as there is a chance that the weak El Niño would worsen in the coming months.

Quiblat said, though, that the weak El Niño will dissipate starting in June. /