Possibility of La Niña hitting PH soon gets slimmer | Inquirer Business

Possibility of La Niña hitting PH soon gets slimmer

/ 12:34 AM September 10, 2016

American and Australian climate experts have cranked down their La Niña alert, saying the phenomenon that brings greater-than-average rainfall to the Philippines may not occur in the northern hemisphere autumn after all.

Still, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology do not discount the possibility of occurrence later this year.

The NOAA said in its monthly update neutral conditions—when there is neither El Niño nor its opposite La Niña—were observed in the past four weeks although sea surface temperatures in the east and central part of equatorial Pacific Ocean were below average.

Article continues after this advertisement

Cooler than usual temperatures are associated to La Niña while warmer than average readings go along with El Niño.

FEATURED STORIES

“The multi-model averages favor borderline Neutral-La Niña conditions during the Northern Hemisphere fall, continuing into winter,” the NOAA said.

But the agency said the forecaster consensus was partial to a stronger “neutral” status, which meant weaker chances of La Niña developing.

Article continues after this advertisement

This “is supported by the lack of significant anomalies in several indicators over the past month,” the NOAA said, referring to winds, subsurface temperature and convection or layers of temperatures in the atmosphere.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Overall, [neutral] conditions are slightly favored (between 55-60 percent) during the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2016-2017,” the NOAA said.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Australian BoM concurred through a separate advisory, but added that “a late and weak La Niña remains possible.”

“International climate models suggest neutral to weak La Niña levels for the remainder of the year,” the BoM said. “A ‘La Niña Watch’ [alert] remains in place.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Based on observations of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha), the Philippine government through “Oplan Listo” has advised the public to prepare for the risks which the above-normal rainfall and strong monsoon activity will bring.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Business, economy, La Niña, News, PH, Philippines, Weather

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.