THE Provincial government of Negros Occidental has allotted funds for cloud seeding operation as it braces for the looming effects of El Niño phenomenon.

Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is also preparing for the procurement of equipment such as water and irrigation pumps to augment to the needs of local farmers.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that a mild El Niño phenomenon has already been affecting some provinces in the country including Negros Occidental.

Thus, Masculino said the effects to the agriculture sector in the province could only be minimal.

The state weather bureau, in an advisory, said a weak El Niño is occurring in the tropical Pacific region and will likely continue until the second quarter of the year.

Pagasa said the phenomenon may cause varying impacts such as warmer than average surface temperature and prolonged dry season.

It predicted “generally way below to below normal rainfall conditions over most parts of the country except for southern Mindanao and Surigao del Sur where near normal is likely” in March.

In April, there will be “generally below normal rainfall conditions in Luzon and the Visayas while near normal mostly in Mindanao,” it said.

Generally below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of southern Luzon and the Visayas while near normal conditions in most parts of northern Luzon and Mindanao are expected in May.

In June, most parts of the Visayas and Mindanao are expected to have near normal rainfall conditions, but most parts of Luzon (except the eastern sections) will experience below normal rainfall conditions.

The varying rainfall conditions across the country from March to June will determine which provinces in the country will be hit by dry season, dry spell and drought, Pagasa added.