Metro Manila, Philippines – The country is under an El Niño alert, with the climate phenomenon expected to develop in the third quarter of the year, the weather bureau reported Wednesday, April 22.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said El Niño will emerge by June to August and may persist until early 2027.

“During an El Niño event, there is an increased possibility of drier-than-usual conditions, which can lead to negative impacts such as droughts and dry spells in some parts of the country,” PAGASA said.

It noted that above-normal rainfall may still occur during the southwest monsoon, or habagat, particularly in the western portions of the country.