La Niña Conditions May Form Early This September
Weather experts have raised the possibility that La Niña conditions may develop in the Philippines as early as September this year. Officials reported that while the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral state is expected to continue from August through October, forecasts indicate a rising chance of short-lived La Niña phases between the September-October-November and October-November-December periods.
Current ENSO-Neutral Status
According to local meteorological authorities, the country is presently under ENSO-neutral conditions. This means neither the warm El Niño nor the cool La Niña phenomena are currently dominating the Pacific Ocean’s equatorial surface temperatures.
Experts explained that La Niña occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific become unusually cooler than average. This cooling disrupts weather patterns and can influence rainfall and storm activity in the region.
Issuing a La Niña Watch
Officials noted that a La Niña Watch is announced when conditions favor its development within the next six months and the probability exceeds 55%. This alert serves as an early warning for communities and local governments to prepare for potential weather changes.
Under a La Niña Watch, the Philippines may experience an increased number of tropical cyclones, especially towards the latter part of the year. These storms often bring above-average rainfall, which could trigger floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Expected Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authorities forecast that the country could be struck by 11 to 19 tropical cyclones this year. However, these storms are expected to be less intense compared to last year’s typhoons. Community members noted that stronger cyclones last year were largely influenced by the prevailing La Niña conditions at the time.
Understanding El Niño and La Niña Effects
El Niño, characterized by warmer than usual sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, typically results in below-normal rainfall. This can lead to dry spells and droughts in various parts of the Philippines.
Conversely, La Niña features cooler sea surface temperatures, which often bring increased rainfall and heightened tropical cyclone activity. Both phenomena significantly impact the country’s weather patterns and require close monitoring for disaster preparedness.
Local leaders urged residents to stay vigilant and heed advisories from meteorological agencies to mitigate risks associated with these climate events.
For more news and updates on La Niña conditions, visit Filipinokami.com.
