BY NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO – The state weather bureau said Western Visayas will have favorable weather next week as we welcome the New Year.
“I-expect naton nga up until sa New Year naton nga mangin manami ang aton paniyempo,” said Eng. Jeff Maquiling of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Iloilo.
He noted that they are not currently monitoring any weather disturbance.
“Ginatan-aw naton nga amo ato ang possibility nga low-pressure area (LPA) or ulihi na nga bagyo nga masulod sa aton Philippine area of responsibility (PAR),” he added.
This year, there have been 11 recorded typhoons, and the last one was Tropical Depression “Kabayan,” which turned into an LPA upon entering the PAR.
This is lower compared to last year’s 18 typhoons recorded.
Maquiling said one of the reasons for fewer recorded typhoons this year is the effect of El Niño.
Last week, PAGASA announced that there will be a stronger El Niño expected in the first quarter of 2024 and there are two to five estimated cyclones to enter the PAR.
From January to April 2024, the region will experience below normal to significantly below normal rainfall, with a return to normal conditions expected by the end of May and June 2024, said Engr. Ferdinand Rubin, weather specialist of PAGASA-Iloilo.
PAGASA’s rainfall forecast from January to June 2024 is as follows:
* In January, the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are anticipated to receive below normal rainfall.
* In February, these provinces, except Capiz, are expected to experience way below normal rainfall, with Capiz having below normal rainfall.
* March will see similar conditions as in January for the same provinces.
* In April, Aklan and Capiz are predicted to have below normal rainfall, while Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental might face way below normal rainfall.
* For May, Aklan, Capiz, and Negros Occidental might experience below normal rainfall, while Antique, Guimaras, and Iloilo could have near normal rainfall.
* By June, all provinces are expected to experience near normal rainfall.
This six-month weather forecast was announced during the fourth regular council meeting recently of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) headed by retired Police Colonel Cornelio Salinas and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias. (With details from Aksyon Radyo Iloilo)/PN
