The Philippines is bracing for a potentially historic warm year in 2024, with predictions of widespread dry spells and drought conditions affecting approximately 77% of the country by May, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Analiza Solis, head of the PAGASA climate impact monitoring and prediction section, warned of a significant decrease in rainfall during the first half of 2024. This forecast aligns with the impact of a strong El Niño event, a climate phenomenon known for causing global changes in weather patterns.
In a recent TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview, Solis emphasized the severity of the situation. “We are facing a strong El Niño. 2024 could become one of the warmest years on record, potentially ranking in our top 10,” she stated.
The latest forecasts from PAGASA suggest a grim outlook for the country, with an estimated 77% of the Philippines likely to experience varying degrees of dryness and drought by the end of May.
Solis has called on the health sector to prepare for the challenges posed by higher temperatures during the dry season. The impending weather conditions could have significant impacts on agriculture, water supply, and public health.