Climate Advisory for "Very Strong" El Niño
23 September 2026
PRESS RELEASE
DOST-PAGASA S&T Media Services
Quezon City, 23 September 2026
CLIMATE ADVISORY: DOST-PAGASA WARNS OF INTENSIFYING ‘VERY STRONG’ EL NIÑO PERSISTING INTO FIRST HALF OF 2027
QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) advises all government agencies, climate-sensitive sectors, and the general public that a Strong El Niño is currently active in the Tropical Pacific.
According to climate models and expert evaluations, the phenomenon is expected to intensify into a Very Strong El Niño between the September–December 2026 season and persist through the first half of 2027.
El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), marked by abnormally warm sea surface temperatures in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific and cooler-than-average ocean temperatures over the Philippine Sea.
While El Niño generally triggers warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall across most of the Philippines, DOST-PAGASA highlights two critical factors:
Dry Spells and Drought: Prolonged rainfall deficits increase the risk of severe agricultural dry spells and water supply stress, threatening food security, water resources, energy production, public health, and the broader economy.
Short-Term Heavy Rainfall: Despite overall dry conditions, the ongoing Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and active tropical cyclones may still bring localized, above-normal rainfall—particularly to the western section of the Philippines.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. urged local government units and key sectors to take proactive, data-driven action well before the full impact of the climate event is felt. "Climate information must be utilized before a crisis strikes," said Secretary Solidum. "Adjusting farming schedules and preparing communities, infrastructure, and essential services early is vital. DOST-PAGASA has developed localized climate projections and CliMap, allowing users to access historical data and localized projections down to the municipal level to support long-term adaptation."
PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel V. Servando reaffirmed the bureau's commitment to continuous monitoring and clear public communication. "We will continue to work closely with national and local government agencies to ensure critical, science-based forecasts reach communities promptly," Dr. Servando stated. "Timely advisories will enable authorities and citizens alike to execute effective preparedness and response measures."
DOST-PAGASA will maintain strict surveillance over El Niño’s developments and issue regular updates as conditions evolve. All authorities and the public are strongly urged to implement conservation and mitigation strategies immediately.
For more information, please call the Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CAD) at (02) 8284-0800, local 4920 or 4921.
Original Signed:
NATHANIEL T. SERVANDO, Ph.D.
Administrator
