Weather: PAGASA March 2016 Rainfall Map

For the previous report, please click here.

INTRODUCTION. The Philippines has been feeling the effects of extreme El Niño since early this year, bringing about parched fields and mountain areas across the country, with Mindanao facing the worst dry spell and drought in recent history. Factually, we heard of news about forest fires in Mounts Apo and Kitanglad, both located in parts of Mindanao Island which received rainfall that are below the normal average since last year 2015. Many farmers in Mindanao marched their way to the national highway in Kidapawan City to call attention of relevant authorities and to ask for aid because the land is too dry to support farming, that protest shocked everyone when it lead to the bloody confrontation with the police on March 31. Luzon and Visayas were also not spared from the gravity of the 2015-2016 El Niño phenomenon as dams continue to register decrease in water level. The data below will tell you that March 2016 may go down in history as one of the driest months in the Philippines.

Weather: PAGASA February 2016 Rainfall Map

INTRODUCTION. The El Niño (lit. the little boy) is an unusual rise in the sea surface temperature along the Pacific Ocean, which brings changes in weather patterns across much of the countries facing the Pacific. In the Philippines, El Niño means lower amount of rainfall which may result in dry spell and drought. As early as 2014, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA, the Philippine official weather agency) has been warning the public of an imminent El Niño, only in mid-2015 did they confirm the country is experiencing “mild El Niño,” and is in danger of facing hotter and drier months.