PAGASA declares La Niña onset, more rains until March

PAGASA declared the onset of La Niña, bringing above-normal rainfall until March 2021.

Sea surface temperatures in the central and equatorial Pacific have been cooling since June, reaching La Niña threshold in September.

Weak to moderate La Niña is expected to persist from October to March, with five to eight tropical cyclones likely entering or developing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

DOST Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the need for effective preparation and mitigation measures to prevent flooding and landslides.