Around 16 to 19 tropical cyclones are expected to hit the country in 2025, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Monday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Pagasa Assistant Weather Services Chief at Spokesperson Analiza Solis said the number of tropical cyclones expected to enter or might develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this year is "below average" as the country enters the ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation) neutral condition despite alerts of La Nina.

"So usually in an ENSO neutral condition, the average number of tropical cyclones is around 19 to 20", Solis said.

Last year, there were 18 tropical cyclones.

Solis said that the forecast was based on the decreasing number of tropical cyclones over the past six decades.

"We forecast 16 to 19 tropical cyclones based on the historical trend and on the average number of typhoons if there is no El Nino or La Nina", Solis added.

Meanwhile, the state weather bureau said that despite the rising heat index in the past few days, the dry season has yet to officially start as three weather systems continue to bring rains over several parts of the country. Marie Manalili/DMS