26 areas may experience dry condition by end of 2023 — PAGASA

Dry conditions may be experienced in parts of the country by the end of 2023 due to El Niño, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
Palawan, parts of Visayas including Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Leyte, and most of Mindanao will experience below normal rainfall condition for two consecutive months, said PAGASA-Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS) Assistant Weather Services Chief Ana Liza Solis.
Meanwhile, drought will prevail in six areas in the country by the end of February 2024, while 45 areas will experience it by the end of March next year, she added.
PAGASA defines drought as a prolonged dry condition characterized by five consecutive months of “below-normal” rainfall or three consecutive months of “way below-normal” rainfall.
Rainfall forecast
In October, below-normal to "near-normal" rainfall with a higher probability for below-normal rainfall will be experienced in Luzon and most parts of Visayas.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas, some portions of southern Palawan, and Mindanao will have near-normal rainfall.
By November, way-below to below-normal rainfall with some chances of near-normal to above-normal rainfall will prevail in Mindanao, eastern Mindanao and eastern portions of Luzon.
Solis said the rainfall reduction will increase in November with still "uncertainties" for eastern Visayas and eastern Mindanao,which may experience near-normal to above-normal rainfall conditions due to the possible effect of tropical cyclones.
By December, near-normal to above-normal rainfall may prevail over Luzon, portions of Southern Luzon and Bicol Region, while there is a “high chance” of below-normal rainfall conditions in Visayas and Mindanao. (Lizst Torres Abello)