PAGASA: El Niño could delay rainy season

The rainy season could possibly be delayed by El Niño, according to PAGASA in a Super Balita sa Tanghali report on dzBB on Sunday morning.

PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the onset of rainy weather usually occurs during the last week of May or the first week of June but this could be delayed due to El Niño .

According to the state weather bureau, El Niño is characterized by unusually warmer than average sea surface temperatures (SSTs) at the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (CEEP). For the Philippines, this means droughts, heat waves, heavy rainfall and other extreme weather conditions.

Subsequently after El Niño, PAGASA said the country will be facing the prospect of La Niña and the wetter weather conditions it brings.

The heat index reached 48C in Cagayan on Saturday and the same hot weather could be experienced today. A total of 16 areas nationwide could reach dangerous heat index levels on Sunday, the majority of which are in northern Luzon.—RF, GMA Integrated News