Updated

Meteorological forecasts suggest the 2026 El Niño event could become one of the strongest ever recorded, with maps showing where the pattern could bring heavy rain to some regions and extreme drought to others. Analysts have been tracking the developing pattern for weeks as a potential 'super' El Niño with wide-ranging global impacts. On Monday, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said a very strong El Niño is expected to develop toward the end of the year and will likely bring way below-normal rainfall to most of the Philippines, meaning a 60 percent or greater reduction in average monthly rainfall in affected areas. The forecast raises concerns about drought conditions and water shortages across the country as the El Niño pattern intensifies.