La Niña-like patterns manifested by cooler than average sea surface temperatures over the Pacific Ocean will continue to persist during the remainder of 2016.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, major parts of the country will experience near to above normal rainfall, particularly over the eastern section during La Niña conditions.
It noted that cooler than average sea surface temperatures have persisted from July to September. Although both ocean and atmospheric indices had reached weak La Niña levels in October, this was not sustained.
But La Niña-like conditions will continue this season.
This month, the existence of low pressure areas, inter-tropical convergence zone or ITCZ, easterlies, northeast monsoon or “amihan,” and occurrence of one or two tropical cyclones are likely.
PAGASA said most parts of the country will experience near to above normal rainfall condition, except for Palawan and Camiguin with below normal rainfall condition.
Slightly cooler than average temperatures are expected over parts of Northern Luzon. Slightly warmer to warmer than average temperatures are predicted for the rest of the country. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)