Rain will be a steady companion this holiday season.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) officially declared the arrival of La Niña, a climate pattern expected to bring more frequent downpours, cooler days, and an increased risk of floods and landslides across the country, including Cebu.
The announcement came through La Niña Advisory No. 1, confirming that sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific have been cooling since September and reached weak La Niña levels in November.
Pagasa said the phenomenon is likely to persist until the first quarter of 2026, affecting Christmas, Sinulog preparations, and the start of the new year.
La Niña usually brings above-normal rainfall, and Pagasa warned that this round may trigger floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides, particularly in barangays already saturated from recent weather systems.
“La Niña is usually associated with above-normal rainfall conditions across most areas of the country during the last quarter of the year and early months of the following year,” Pagasa said.
For many Cebu households, this means preparing for longer rainy spells, securing outdoor items, keeping emergency kits ready, and staying updated with barangay announcements—practical steps that have become part of the modern “rainy season lifestyle.”
Pagasa also noted an increased chance of tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility during this La Niña phase.
One system is already present: Tropical Depression Wilma, currently crossing the Visayas, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts up to 55 kph.
While it may intensify, Pagasa expects Wilma to remain a tropical depression inside PAR.
Cloudy skies, frequent passing showers, and cooler air are likely to define the Christmas stretch. These conditions may dampen outdoor plans but also bring the cozy rainy-season moments familiar to Cebuanos.
Pagasa urged residents, especially those in flood- and landslide-prone areas, to take precautions and monitor official advisories.
Local governments and disaster councils are already bracing for wetter months ahead, and the public is encouraged to do the same. (LLP)
