El Niño early effects causing Mindanao hot weather

MANILA, Philippines — While Luzon and some parts of the Visayas have been suffering from flooding spawned by the southwest monsoon and cyclones for almost three weeks now, Mindanao has been reeling from intense heat due to the early effects of El Niño. On Tuesday, the town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur recorded the highest temperature for this month at 37.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

PAGASA said Borongan in Eastern Samar and Surigao City logged 37 and 36.9 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Marcelino Villafuerte II, PAGASA deputy administrator for research and development, said that below-normal rainfall conditions will prevail when El Niño starts.

State meteorologists earlier reported that the effects of El Niño conditions would be felt starting June.

“The progression of drier conditions when there’s an El Niño event starts in the south and progresses northward,” Villafuerte said at a press briefing. “By September, although there is still habagat, we can expect lesser rainfall. Drier conditions will be felt in October.”

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that in the past few weeks, cross-equatorial air or dry air from the equator has been blowing toward Mindanao.

With the orientation of recent weather systems at the upper portion of the country, Estareja said the monsoon tends to proceed toward Luzon and the Visayas.

“So, when it comes to Mindanao, it’s relatively cloudless, and when there’s less cloud and rain, the weather will be hot,” Estareja said.

Most parts of Luzon and the Visayas have been experiencing monsoon rains enhanced by surrounding weather systems including Tropical Depression Neneng.

State meteorologists said this is an opportunity for dams to be filled to capacity ahead of the expected drier weather conditions.

The El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify in the last quarter of this year until the first half of 2027.