The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that a very strong El Niño could bring record-breaking heat across the country from late 2026 to the first half of 2027, with temperatures potentially rising by 2 degrees Celsius. PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section Chief Ana Liza Solis said the phenomenon is expected to peak before the end of 2026 and persist until the first quarter of 2027. The agency warned that prolonged dry spells, drought, and warmer temperatures could affect the country, although tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall may still occur.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that 356,800 Filipinos had already been affected by El Niño as of October, while agricultural damage had reached P8.57 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture. The government is preparing water-related measures, including rainwater harvesting systems, to mitigate the potential impacts of the prolonged dry conditions.
