MANILA – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday reported a 55 percent probability of El Niño developing in the next six months due to below-normal rainfall.

El Niño is marked by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific.

In a press briefing, PAGASA weather specialist Joseph Basconcillo said there is a 62 percent chance that a weak El Niño will occur between June and August, with an 83 percent likelihood that it will continue until the end of the year.

He added that moderate El Niño conditions may prevail with a 56 percent probability from September to November and a 60 percent likelihood from October to December.

During this period, certain parts of the country may experience reduced rainfall and drier-than-usual conditions.

PAGASA warned that below-normal rainfall could trigger dry spells and drought in some areas, but noted that the western sections of the country may see above-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat.

(PNA)