MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced a La Niña Watch on Thursday, raising the possibility of cooler-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean later this year.

El Niño Advisory No. 9, issued by PAGASA and signed by Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando, indicates that the ongoing El Niño event is weakening and is expected to transition to neutral conditions between April and June 2024.

However, climate models suggest a 55 percent chance of La Niña developing by June, prompting the La Niña Watch.

La Niña is characterized by cooler sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. When conditions for La Niña development appear likely within the next six months, and the probability is 55 percent or higher, a La Niña Watch is issued.

Historically, pre-developing La Niña events are associated with below-normal rainfall. Combined with the lingering effects of El Niño, this could lead to a slight delay in the start of the rainy season in the Philippines.

PAGASA will continue to monitor the evolving El Niño situation, its impact on local weather, and the potential development of La Niña. The agency urges all government agencies and the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions against potential weather-related impacts.

For further information, the public can contact PAGASA's Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section at (02) 8284-0800 local 4920 or 4921, or via email at pagasa.climps@gmail.com. (PIA-NCR)