5 Visayas Mindanao provinces experience dry spell

MANILA, Philippines — Five provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao have experienced dry spell or three months of below normal rainfall due to El Niño.

These provinces are Aklan and Capiz in the Visayas as well as Davao Occidental, Sarangani and South Cotabato in Mindanao, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said that four more provinces experienced meteorological dry conditions – Quirino in Luzon and Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao.

A dry condition means that an area experienced below-normal rainfall conditions for two consecutive months.

PAGASA said that an increased positive sea surface temperature anomaly has been observed across the tropical Pacific.

Climate models predict that El Niño will further strengthen before the end of the year and persist until the second quarter of 2024.

El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions that can bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts.

It may affect different climate-sensitive sectors such as water, agriculture, energy, health and public safety.

Still, rainfall assessment showed that some parts of the country received near to above normal rainfall including Northern Luzon, most of the Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, most of Davao region, Caraga and Bangsamoro region.

State meteorologists said that generally near-normal conditions are expected in most parts of the country, with some areas in western Luzon leaning toward above-normal rainfall.