PAGASA Recent observations defines a La Nina

Sign of cooling trends since August 2011 recently observed by PAGASA on sea surface temperature over the central eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean indicates strong possibility of re-emerging La Nina episodes.

Current key oceanic and atmospheric indicators are near the threshold, satisfying a condition defining a La Nina, said Nathaniel T. Servando, Ph.D, Administrator of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Dynamical and statistical computer models suggest that the present cooling of the Pacific Ocean waters can be classified as weak compared to last year’s La Nina where it started on the 3rd quarter of the year 2010 and ended in May 2011.

In view of the current evolving event, the subsequent Philippine climate pattern will be affected during the last remaining months of 2011 up to the first quarter of 2012.

With this development, most parts of the country especially the eastern sections will likely to experience near to above normal rainfall conditions. Widespread and/or intense rainfall is expected to characterize a wet weather conditions which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

PAGASA will continue to monitor the day-to-day rainfall/weather conditions and the large-scale climatic patterns associated with La Nina conditions.

Meanwhile, the public and concerned government institutions are advised to take precautionary and appropriate measures against the would-be impact of this type of extreme events. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila