Manila: The country must brace for a potentially stronger typhoon season with the possibility of a La Ni±a episode developing before the end of 2025, the weather bureau said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced in a press statement that the El Ni±o Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral conditions, which it has been continuously monitoring in the tropical Pacific, are most likely to persist until October. However, climate models indicate an increasing probability of short-lived La Ni±a conditions emerging between September and December.

La Ni±a, the cool phase of ENSO, is marked by unusually cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. PAGASA stated that a La Ni±a Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of La Ni±a within the next six months, with a probability of 55 percent or more.

PAGASA highlighted that, historically, La Ni±a is associated with an above-average number of tropical cyclone occurrences towards the end of the year, along with above-normal rainfall conditions in most parts of the country. These conditions can trigger adverse impacts, including floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Past La Ni±a episodes in the country have also been linked to heavier monsoon rains, agricultural losses, and severe flooding.

The weather bureau has urged local governments, disaster-response agencies, and the public to strengthen preparedness and take precautionary measures in light of these findings.