CAMIGUIN (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) highlighted the climate outlook for six months, from April to September, and how it is affecting the country.

“El Niño is a phenomenon sa Pacific Ocean nga naa siya'y specific condition sa ocean nga init sa eastern nga part sa ocean, which is kung init ang eastern section sa Pacific Ocean, didto ma-build up ang mga ulan. Therefore, ang sa pikas side, which is na belong ang Philippines, didto magka-lessen ang mga rainfall conditions. Basically, ang El Niño phenomenon is condition siya sa dagat na later on maka-affect siya sa atoang atmosphere,” Regional Division Weather Observer Prince Wilson Au said. 

(El Niño is a phenomenon. It is a phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean that has a specific condition in the ocean that is warm in the eastern part of the ocean, which is when the eastern section of the Pacific Ocean is warm and the rains build up. Therefore, on the other side, which belongs to the Philippines, the rainfall conditions will be lower. Basically, the El Niño phenomenon is a condition in the ocean that later affects our atmosphere.)

He added that El Niño is nothing new, as this is experienced every year in the country, specifically from the start of April to the end of September. However, due to its alarming increase in heat index, it is a discussion that the DOST-PAGASA in Mindanao shared in a radio interview to raise awareness on what to do during the El Niño season.

Au said El Niño will continue until the March, April, and May or MAM season. For the April-May-June (AMJ) season, then May-June-July (MJJ), neutral conditions will occur. Then, La Niña, or raining season, will follow next on June-July-August (JJA) season, and onwards.

“For April 2024, ang Camiguin is maka-experience siya'g ‘way below normal’ meaning 60 percent ang makuha nga rainfall. Then, pag-abot sa May is mag ‘below normal’ na lang, meaning 20 percent to 60 percent lang ang makuha. Then, pag-abot sa June, is the new normal na siya, almost 100 percent impact ang atoang rainfall. Then, in July, a new normal gihapon,” Au further explained how rainfalls due to El Niño affect the province of Camiguin.

(For April 2024, Camiguin will experience 'way below normal' meaning 60 percent of the rainfall will be obtained. When May arrives, the rainfall will be 'below normal', with only 20 to 60 percent expected. Then, when June arrives, it is the new normal, with almost 100 percent impact from our rainfall. July will still be a new normal.)

Furthermore, he mentioned that in August, there will be "above normal" rainfall, indicating an increase compared to the typical precipitation levels. Subsequently, in September, the region is expected to experience a return to "below normal" rainfall, representing approximately 20 percent to 60 percent of the usual daily rainfall amounts.

Au elaborated that what he stated were the previews of the climate outlook for the first six months from the start of El Niño this year.

Three conditions can characterize this dry season: dry conditions, dry spells, and drought.

A place is in a state of dry condition if the rainfall is "below normal" for two consecutive months. Then there is a dry spell if the rainfall is "below normal" for three consecutive months or "way below normal" for two consecutive months. There is drought if the rainfall is "below normal" for five consecutive months or "way below normal" for three consecutive months.

Currently, Camiguin is experiencing a "dry spell" as the rainfall has been showing for three consecutive months or "way below normal" for two consecutive months. By May 2024, Camiguin will be considered drought-prone, said the weather observer.

Although there is an estimated date for when El Niño will end, that does not mean the aftermath of the phenomenon should be discarded, Au added.

The Department of Health (DOH) stated that these kinds of temperatures can cause heat exhaustion and cramps, which are characterized by symptoms including headache, dizziness, weariness, and lightheadedness. Extended periods of heat exposure increase the risk of heat stroke, a dangerous condition characterized by unconsciousness, disorientation, or convulsions that can be fatal if left untreated.

Therefore, the government advises the public to closely monitor PAGASA reports and implement preventive measures against these illnesses. These include drinking plenty of water, avoiding soda, iced tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverages, limiting outdoor time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., using sunblock, hats, and umbrellas, and dressing in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. (MGAB/PIA-10)