PAGASA: Around 5 to 8 storms to hit PHL from June to August

Around five to eight tropical cyclones are expected to hit the Philippines from June to August even though the dry spell brought about by El Niño may persist until the end of the year, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday.

PAGASA deputy administrator Flaviana Hilario said the rainy season for the western side of the country will begin in the first half of June.

“And in terms of our forecast on the number of tropical cyclones, from June to August we are expecting around 5 to 8 tropical cyclones,” Hilario said at a news conference in Malacañang.

She said normal rainfall conditions will be experienced in many parts of the country in June except for Apayao, most parts of Ilocos  Region, Cagayan, Tarlac and Zambales.

Hilario said generally near normal to above normal rainfall conditions will be experienced in most of Luzon and Visayas in but generally below normal over most of Mindanao and Southern Visayas in July.

For August, generally near to above normal rainfall conditions will prevail over most parts of the country, she said.

An average of 20 tropical cyclones lash the Philippines each year, killing hundreds of people and destroying homes, infrastructure and other properties.

The PAGASA official, meanwhile, said El Niño will likely continue until the end of this year.

“However, the uncertainty is quite high, so in this regard, we will give you update every month regarding this chance,” Hilario said.

According to PAGASA, during the last four months, the impact of El Niño has been felt in many provinces.

Severe impacts of El Niño were manifested during the month of April, wherein 41 provinces were under drought condition and 23 provinces were under dry spell.

For the month of May, there were 40 provinces under drought conditions while 6 provinces were under dry spell. — MDM, GMA News