Metro Manila, Philippines — Government meteorologists have issued a La Niña alert as they see higher chances of the weather phenomenon developing as early as August.
In an advisory on Friday, July 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said climate models combined with expert assessment suggest a 70% chance of La Niña forming between August to October.
It reversed its earlier forecast that the onset of above-normal rainfall and stronger tropical cyclones may be delayed between October to December.
PAGASA said the climate pattern would likely persist until the first quarter of 2025.
La Niña is a natural phenomenon characterized by “unusually cooler than average” sea surface temperatures at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
The combined excessive rainfall and stronger storms could cause flooding and landslides in some areas.
