SOME areas in the country may wilt under a record heat of more than 40 degrees Celsius, especially during the second quarter of 2024, due to the feared impact of the El Niño phenomenon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.
According to Ana Liza Solis, the Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section chief, Cagayan Valley is expected to register the highest temperature during the dry months. This increase in temperature will be further exacerbated by the higher heat index in certain areas, particularly from March to April this year. Solis shared these insights during the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public forum on PTV4.
Solis also emphasized the role of the El Niño phenomenon in contributing to the “warmer” temperatures this year. The presence of the El Niño can be observed through the dry spell and dry conditions experienced in some provinces.
In Metro Manila, a meteorological dry spell or drought is expected, with a reduction in rainfall ranging from around 21 percent to more than 60 percent within three to four consecutive months. Additionally, the impact of the El Niño will result in a decrease in the number of tropical cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the second quarter of the year. Solis predicts that only three to five tropical cyclones will enter PAR during this period, compared to the regular 19 to more than 20 weather disturbances in a year.
Despite the steady water supply from Angat Dam, Solis emphasized the importance of water conservation during the warm and dry season. She stated, “We must do so because there would also be other areas that would need water during the warm and dry season.”
During the same public forum, Engineer Patrick Dizon, division manager of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), reassured residents in the metropolis that there would be enough supply of potable water. Dizon mentioned that preparations have been made, including the Angat Dam, which is currently at 213 meters, surpassing the normal high water level at 212 meters.
In anticipation of the impact of El Niño, the MWSS has implemented projects to provide extra water sources. These include two water treatment plants in Laguna Lake, which were inaugurated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in December. Another water treatment plant in Pakil, Laguna, has the capacity to generate around 50 million liters of water per day.
As the Philippines braces for record heat and potential drought, it is crucial for both the government and the public to be prepared. The insights shared by experts like Solis and the proactive measures taken by organizations like the MWSS are essential in ensuring the well-being of the people and the sustainability of water resources. By understanding the local climate conditions and actively conserving water, the impact of the El Niño phenomenon can be mitigated, and the country can navigate through this challenging period successfully.
Source: The Manila Times
