The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, March 25, raised an El Niño Watch, forecasting a high likelihood of the climate phenomenon occurring.

According to the state weather bureau, the El Niño is marked by sea surface temperatures (SST) in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific that are warmer than usual.

“Based on the PAGASA ENSO Alert and Warning System, when conditions are favorable for the development of El Niño, with a forecast probability of 55 percent or more within the next six months, an El Niño Watch is issued,” said PAGASA in a press statement.

The weather condition produces sparse rainfall, which may trigger dry spells and droughts in some areas of the Philippines, PAGASA said, adding that “above-normal” rainfall may pour over the western portion of the country during the Southwest Monsoon Season, better known as “Habagat.”

The weather bureau said it will keep a close watch for the development of El Niño, and encouraged all key government agencies, as well as the public, to also monitor weather conditions and take precautionary measures against the possible effects of El Niño.

According to the University of the Philippines (UP) Marine Science Institute, the 2023-2024 El Niño brought “record-high” sea surface temperatures, reaching 30.45°C in June 2024.