Photo courtesy of DOST-PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday declared the start of La Niña, warning of wetter than usual weather during the upcoming holiday season.
PAGASA said the climate shift will bring above-normal rainfall that may affect parts of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao as December progresses.
“La Niña is usually associated with above-normal rainfall conditions across most areas of the country during the last quarter of the year and early months of the following year,” PAGASA said.
The bureau also noted that although the holiday season may see instances of intense rainfall, fewer storms are expected early next year based on current climate conditions.
Officials warned that flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions may occur in areas already saturated by recent rains.
Local government units (LGUs) were urged to activate disaster preparedness plans to protect communities during Christmas and New Year gatherings.
Commuters and holiday travelers were advised to check weather forecasts and advisories daily, as rain could delay road travel and affect transport terminals.
PAGASA said La Niña is expected to weaken by the first or second quarter of 2026, and the country may return to a normal weather pattern once it ends.
For January, the agency expects zero to one storm inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). PAGASA said long periods of heavy rain are not likely, since this La Niña event may last only for a short time.
The agency also reminded people to follow its weather updates, as changes in climate patterns can still affect rain and local weather in the coming months.