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File photo shows a farm in Jaen, Nueva Ecija hit by drought as a result of El Niño.
The STAR/Boy Santos, File

10 provinces to experience drought this March

(philstar.com) - March 5, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Ten provinces will experience drought this March, state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.

In an interview on DZMM, PAGASA climate monitoring chief Analiza Solis said that the number of provinces grappling with meteorological drought will increase from five to 10 this month.

Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Zamboanga Del Sure, Zamboanga Sibugay and Mindanao have been experiencing drought since February.

The weather condition associated with reduced rainfall is also expected to hit Ilocos Sur, La Union, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro and Palawan this month.

Drought is defined by PAGASA as three consecutive months of way below normal or five consecutive months of below normal rainfall condition.

Last month, the weather agency issued El Niño Advisory No. 1. Warmer temperatures, below normal rainfall conditions and delayed onset of rainy season are expected.

Temperature during the summer could reach 40.7 degree celsius, particularly in Tuguegarao, Cagayan and up to 38.2 degree celsius in Metro Manila.

Around 14 to 18 tropical cyclones are forecast to develop this year—down from the usual 20 tropical cyclones annually. — Gaea Katreena Cabico

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