By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental is forecast to experience near-normal rainfall this April, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“For April, the province is expected to receive a maximum of 50 millimeters of rain,” Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said.

Near-normal rainfall corresponds to 81 to 120 percent of the average precipitation.

“Ang ulan indi siya tam-an kadamo or kakusog, maximum 50 millimeters of rain man lang siya,” Ploteña explained.

She noted that while this amount is not excessive, residents can still expect localized thunderstorms due to the ongoing La Niña phenomenon.

Ploteña said the rainfall outlook shifts significantly in May, with projections indicating a possible way-above-normal precipitation level exceeding 120 percent.

The province could receive around 200 millimeters of rain next month, she said.

“Pagka-abot sa May, medyo nagdamu-damo ang aton nga expected nga ulan,” Ploteña added.

This rainfall increase aligns with Pagasa’s climate outlook for a transition from weak La Niña conditions to neutral conditions during the March-May period.

Despite being summer, Ploteña said the ongoing La Niña phenomenon ensures there will be no drought in Negros Occidental.

Instead, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected to persist./JB, WDJ