The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has reported that mature El Niño has weakened but noted that its effect may still be felt across the country.
In an advisory released Thursday, March 8, the state weather bureau said its monitoring showed signs of weakened El Niño and this will likely persist until May.
It added that El Niño may return to a "neutral" level by April, May, and June.
As El Niño weakens, PAGASA raised La Niña Watch which means there is a 55 percent chance that La Niña develop within the June, July, and August.
"[T]here is a likelihood for La Niña to develop (55% chance) during the June-July-August (JJA) 2024 season. With this development, the PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System is now raised to La Niña Watch," it noted.
Outlook for March 2024
As per the state weather bureau's forecast for March, meteorological drought conditions are expected to be felt in 25 provinces in Luzon and five provinces in Visayas.
Below is PAGASA's forecast temperature this month:
- 20.0⁰C to 36.0⁰C over Metro Manila
- 12.0⁰C to 28.0⁰C in the mountainous areas of Luzon
- 17.0⁰C to 37.0⁰C for the rest of Luzon
- 20.0⁰C to 36.5⁰C in the Visayas
- 14.0⁰C to 35.0⁰C over the mountainous areas of Mindanao
- 18.0⁰C to 37.5⁰C over the rest of Mindanao.
