Manila: The weather bureau officially issued an El Ni±o alert on Wednesday due to the high probability that this phenomenon could develop from June to August and potentially last until early 2027. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicated there is a 79 percent chance of El Ni±o occurring during this period, which may result in drier-than-usual conditions, including dry spells and droughts in parts of the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, PAGASA noted that despite the overall drier conditions expected, above-normal rainfall might still be experienced over the country's western section during the southwest monsoon or Habagat season. El Ni±o is characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures over the Philippine Sea and warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific.

In a press conference, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando stated that the bureau is closely monitoring developments to provide necessary advisories to the public. He highlighted that below-normal rainfall might impact several sectors, including energy, agriculture, and water resources. During the same press conference, PAGASA Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section Chief Analiza Solis mentioned that the bureau expects El Ni±o to start weak.