El Nino weakening Luzon;expects above normal rain

By Freddie Lazaro

VIGAN CITY — Expect above normal rainfall in Central and Southern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported here Tuesday.

This was announced by PAGASA as it said that the El Niño phenomenon, which is causing a widespread dry spell, is starting to weaken.

“The current El Niño is likely to continue to weaken towards the neutral condition. Likewise, the onset of the rainy season associated with the southwest monsoon is expected to be slightly delayed,” the PAGASA reported.

When the weather systems are likely to affect the country this May with the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and low pressure area (LPA), there is even a possibility for at least one tropical cyclone, it said.

The weather bureau said rainfall conditions in May are expected to be below normal over northern Luzon, most areas of Visayas and most portions of Mindanao.

“Weather systems likely to affect the country for May include the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), low pressure area, and one tropical cyclone,” it said, adding that above normal rainfall may be expected over Central and Southern Luzon.

However, PAGASA disclosed that air temperatures are expected to be warmer than normal in most parts of the country.

PAGASA said the moderate El Niño over the equatorial Pacific that started in June 2009 weakened during the second half of April but was still within the weak El Niño threshold.

“Overall, the tropical Pacific is cooling gradually and the return to neutral conditions may be expected this June 2010,” it said.

In April, PAGASA noted the prevalence of the tail-end of the cold front and the passage of easterly wave brought scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms over most parts of Luzon and Mindanao.