Super El Niño threat: Kalinga among 47 areas facing possible dry conditions in November

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga and the rest of the Cordillera provinces are among the areas forecast to experience dry conditions in November 2026, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), raising concerns over the possible effects of the developing Super El Niño phenomenon.

November typically brings cooler temperatures to Kalinga as the province transitions out of the rainy season. During this period, occasional showers and passing typhoons usually provide significant rainfall.

However, this year's November may be different for 47 areas across the country, which PAGASA has identified as likely to experience dry conditions.

PAGASA defines a dry condition as a 21% to 60% reduction in rainfall for two consecutive months. Compared to normal weather patterns that may bring around 10 rainy days in a month, areas under dry conditions could experience only four to five rainy days, with rainfall that may be lighter and shorter in duration.

Among the areas forecast to experience dry conditions are the six provinces of the Cordillera region: Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province.

Also included in the list are Metro Manila, Albay, Aurora, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Laguna, Marinduque, Masbate, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon Province, Quirino, Rizal, Romblon, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Zambales, Aklan, Antique, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Guimaras, Iloilo, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

Despite the forecast, PAGASA clarified that no area in the Philippines is expected to experience drought conditions in November 2026.

While the forecast does not yet indicate a full-blown drought, authorities are encouraging local governments, farmers, and residents to monitor weather advisories and adopt water conservation measures as reduced rainfall could affect agriculture, water supply, and other climate-sensitive sectors.