Dry spell, drought to hit Cordillera by end of December 2023 – May 2024

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Farmers and other community members, as well as the local government units, are warned to brace for the dry spell by adopting various strategies such as water conservation, and diversifying crops, among others.

The state weather bureau, in its November 22 Climate Outlook, said some provinces are likely to experience dry spell and drought by the end of the year to May 2024.

A dry spell refers to three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall conditions or a 21 to 60 percent drop in average rainfall, while drought occurs when there is more than a 60 percent reduction in average rainfall for three consecutive months.

In Cordillera, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mt. Province are likely to have a dry spell by the end of December.

By the end of January next year, Abra is forecast to experience a dry spell, while the rest of the provinces may, at that time, suffer drought.

By the end of February to the end of April 2024, all provinces in Cordillera may experience drought.

By the end of May 2024, Abra, Kalinga and Apayao may be affected by dry spell, while the rest may continue to suffer drought.

The outlook is based on the actual rainfall observed from July to November.

Meanwhile, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said up to two tropical cyclones may enter the Philippine area of responsibility before the year ends which may contribute significantly to the country’s rainfall.

Planning ahead to mitigate the impact of limited water availability or taking proactive measure can help reduce the severity of drought and dry spell, in case such occur.

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