El Niño expected to strengthen —PAGASA

Even though the the rainy season is just over the horizon, the Philippines isn't out of the woods yet: the El Niño is still expected to strengthen, according to Dr. Flaviana Hilario from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA).

 

At a press conference on May 29, Hilario explained that based on PAGASA’s current data, El Niño is expected to reach moderate strength by August this year and weaken by January 2016, eventually ending in May 2016. There will be below normal rainfall throughout the country from August to December 2015. Seven provinces could possibly be affected by drought while more than 50 provinces could be affected by a dry spell.

 

Meanwhile, the water level at Angat dam has gone down to 179.22 m, dipping below the minimum operational level of 180 m. Hydrologist Palmer Caringal clarifies that this isn’t critical yet, though the water level continues to go down. It would have been critical in March or April, but since we’re about to enter the rainy season, Angat will be able to recover. Around 1,310 mm of rainfall is needed for Angat to get back to the optimal water level of 212 m.

 

La Mesa and San Roque dams both have no problem with their water levels.

 

PAGASA’s Anthony Lucero added that next month, in June, the habagat winds will be bringing “ample rain” before a decrease in rainfall in July. “The monsoon will give us rain, but (it will be) confined in Northern provinces,” Lucero said. “It will generate flooding in some areas of Luzon and in August ganun pa rin, we will be feeling the impact of El Niño.” — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News