The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Batanes, Cagayan, Region 1 (Ilocos), Region 3 (Central Luzon), Palawan, Sorsogon, most parts of the Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat and Region 11 have been experiencing drought conditions during the past four months due to the current El Niño episode.
Batangas, Cavite and Laguna are also under dry spell conditions, it said.
With the weakening of the El Niño episode, PAGASA said most parts of the country will have near-normal rainfall, while some parts of Northern and Central Luzon, the Bicol region, Palawan and Northern Samar will experience below-normal rainfall.
On the other hand, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte and General Santos will have above-normal rainfall.
According to PAGASA, the onset of the rainy season is expected between the latter part of May and early June.
One or two tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility, it said. — Felix de los Santos