The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said La Nina, which is characterized by ''earlier rainfall and a shorter period of dry season” has ended.

From March to June, Pagasa said in its advisory last March 10 most models predict a period which is neither La Nina nor El Nino will ensue.

There is a “high likelihood” that there will be a shift to El Nino afterwards, it added. El Nino ''increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could have negative effects (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country, said Pagasa.

During March to June, normal rainfall is expected, said weather specialist Veronica Torres in a phone interview with The Daily Manila Shimbun.

Pagasa said that even if La Nina ends, there is still a probability of “above normal rainfall conditions” which could result in adverse effects like heavy rainfall, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides. Jaspearl Tan/DMS