Most areas to get above-normalrainfall this month

MANILA, Philippines — Most areas in the country are expected to experience “near to above-normal” rainfall this month amid the threat of La Niña, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said that up to three tropical cyclones might develop within the Philippine area of responsibility this August. 

“The rainfall forecast for the month suggests near-normal conditions over the country, except for Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte in Mindanao, which are expected to experience above-normal rainfall conditions. The probabilistic forecast also shows that most parts of the country will likely receive near to above-normal rainfall,” Servando said. 

He added that La Niña “increases the likelihood of having above-normal rainfall conditions, which could lead to potential adverse impacts such as heavy rainfall, floods, flash floods and rain-induced landslides over highly vulnerable areas.”

Citing global climate models, Servando said there is a 70-percent probability of La Niña emerging between this month and October.

The weather bureau declared a La Niña alert last July 12.

“Rainfall assessment (for July) showed that near-normal to above-normal rainfall conditions were observed. Twenty-three provinces received near-normal rainfall while 61 provinces received above-normal rainfall throughout the country,” Servando said.