The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration confirmed Friday that a short-lived La Niña has begun in the tropical Pacific and may persist until early 2026.
The event follows a steady drop in sea surface temperatures over the central and equatorial Pacific starting September 2025. By November, conditions reached La Niña threshold levels, meeting the bureau’s monitoring criteria.
With the shift, the country faces a higher chance of above-normal rainfall, especially during the core La Niña months. PAGASA noted that more tropical cyclones may develop or enter the Philippine area of responsibility from December 2025 to February 2026.
The agency advised the public to take precautions in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. Increased rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and other hazards depending on soil conditions and terrain. Local governments were urged to prepare for potential impacts of intensified rainfall episodes.
Communities vulnerable to weather disruptions were reminded to monitor updates and advisories. PAGASA said the situation will be tracked regularly as conditions evolve leading into 2026.
