STATE weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday that December in the Philippines will be warmer than usual despite the Amihan season.

Interviewed on PTV program ”Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” PAGASA weather specialist Joey Figuracion attributed the warmer weather to El Niño, which brings below-average rain and drier conditions.

”Mas warmer ang ating December kaysa sa normal. Pero asahan pa rin natin iyong cold surges o pagbaba ng temperatura dahil may amihan season sa ngayon,” Figuracion said.

”Actually, naka-experience tayo ng about warmer than normal noong October, ibig sabihin mas mainit ang ating October kaysa sa normal. Maging itong mga nakalipas na araw ng Nobyembre ay mainit din iyong ating nararanasang panahon kaysa normal nitong nakaraang Nobyembre. So, isa po iyan sa epekto ng El Niño – mas mainit tayo sa normal,” he added.

This month’s temperatures will range from 12°C to 39°C, he said.

Figuracion said one or two tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility before the end of the year.