Solidum: 62% chance La Niña will be felt in June

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said Tuesday that there is a 62% chance that the country will experience La Niña by June.

''As mentioned, the El Niño in the tropical pacific continues to weaken but the impacts like hotter and drier conditions will continue. Although the El Niño will transition to neutral by April, May, June 2024 season, there is also the increasing probability of La Niña at 62% in June, July, August season,'' Solidum said at a Palace press briefing.

''Also, we need to emphasize that historically, pre-developing La Niña is characterized by below normal rainfall. Therefore, the possibility of a slight delay of the onset of rainy season is likely and its effect will combine with the effects of the ongoing El Niño,'' he added.

La Niña is usually associated with above-normal rainfall conditions. Its potential adverse impacts include floods and landslides in vulnerable areas, according to PAGASA.

Solidum, however, said La Niña's effects would not be immediately felt. He added government agencies would continue to implement the El Niño actions and later transition into preparing for La Niña.

Solidum made the statement as he and other government officials briefed President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. about the government's response to El Niño and outlook on La Niña. —VAL, GMA Integrated News