Onset of rainy season may be slightly delayed — PAGASA
PAGASA issues La Niña Watch
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, March 7 said there may be a “slight” delay in the onset of the rainy season due to a pre-developing La Niña and the ongoing El Niño.

“Pre-developing La Niña historically, is characterized by below-normal rainfall, therefore, the possibility of a slight delay on the onset of the rainy season is likely with the combined effects of the ongoing El Niño,” it said.
PAGASA upgraded its ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) Alert and Warning System to “La Niña Watch” because model forecasts indicated a higher probability of La Niña developing in the June–July–August period, with a probability of more than 55 percent.
“Historically, kapag mayroong pre-developing La Niña, still, below-normal rainfall condition ang mararamdaman lalong-lalo na during the onset of rainy season or habagat season (Historically, when there is a pre-developing La Niña, still, below-normal rainfall condition will be experienced particularly during the onset of rainy season), PAGASA-Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CLIMPS) Officer-in-Charge Ana Liza Solis further explained during a press conference.
However, Solid said that the prevalence of La Niña still poses uncertainties.
“When we issue La Niña Watch, it does not guarantee na matutuloy ang La Niña, but still nasa 55 percent ang probability (When we issue La Niña Watch, it does not guarantee that La Niña will lead on, but still the probability is 55 percent),” she said.
She also noted that even when La Niña Watch was issued, PAGASA still concentrated on El Niño impacts, as La Niña phenomenon may be expected in a few more months with still uncertainties.