Pagasa warns of heavy rains, floods with onset of La Niña

National

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has officially confirmed the onset of La Niña, warning Filipinos to brace for months of increased rainfall, flooding, and possible landslides in several parts of the country.

In a statement, the state weather bureau reported that cooler-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific which was first detected in August have continued to strengthen, reaching La Niña levels by September 2025.

The agency said the temperature anomaly has dropped to -0.5°C, the threshold for declaring La Niña conditions.

Pagasa Administrator Nathaniel Servando said the current cooling trend in the tropical Pacific shows no signs of easing. He noted that the sustained decline in ocean surface temperatures indicates the start of a full-fledged La Niña event, which typically brings wetter-than-normal weather patterns to the Philippines.

“La Niña is characterized by prolonged periods of cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean,” Servando explained in a Philstar report.

“These conditions are expected to persist and may intensify, influencing the country’s weather patterns in the next few months.”

Under La Niña conditions, the country can expect more frequent and heavier rains, particularly over the Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Luzon.

Pagasa warned that these could lead to flash floods, swollen rivers, and landslides — especially in areas already affected by recent typhoons and earthquakes.

The agency also cautioned local governments to begin early disaster preparedness activities, including monitoring flood-prone communities and updating contingency plans.

Farmers are advised to adjust cropping schedules to prevent potential losses due to excess rain.

Climate models suggest that the ongoing La Niña episode could last through the December 2025 to February 2026 period, possibly peaking during the final quarter of the year.

The agency said it will continue to issue monthly advisories to keep the public informed of any changes in conditions.(Victoria Diana, USJ-R Comm Intern)