Effects of mild El Niño might extend beyond March

The whole country may experience hotter days from January to September this year.

According to GMA's resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz's report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho", the effects of a mild El Niño may extend beyond the first quarter.

“Hindi lang January, hindi lang March kundi posibleng hanggang July o September ay mararanasan natin yung kakulangan ng ulan sa ibat-ibang bahagi ng bansa,” Mang Tani said on SONA.

Mang Tani explained that the El Niño was due to the warming water in east equatorial Pacific while the water in western Pacific is cool, which makes the chances of rain lower.

“Nagkakaroon ng El Niño kapag umiinit ang tubig dagat dito sa may South America, sa may east equatorial Pacific,” Mang Tani said.

“Samantalang dito naman sa western Pacific na kung saan nandyan ang Pilipinas e lumalamig naman yung tubig dagat,” he added.

Mang Tani said the El Niño may cause a delay of the wet season and limit the number of typhoons entering the country.

“Nagiging mas mahaba yung tag-araw o nagkakaroon ng delay sa onset ng rainy season at mas kaunti ang bagyong pumapasok dito sa ating bansa,” Mang Tani said.

The lack of rain may affect the country on different levels such as in agriculture industry and in power and water supply, according to Mang Tani.

“Siyempre kapag nawalan tayo ng ulan iba’t ibang sektor ang maapektuhan katulad ng agrikultura, power at maging ang water supply ay maapektuhan nyan,” Mang Tani said.

Ilocos region, Metro Manila and the western section of Visayas and Mindanao, according to Mang Tani,  will be the most affected areas if the El Niño continues. —Joviland Rita/NB, GMA News