Most parts of the country will experience severe drought from February to May 2024 due to El Niño, the Department of Science and Technology said on Tuesday.  

At a press briefing in Malacañang, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum said 77 percent of the country will suffer from the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to last until the second quarter of 2024.

Solidum said 65 provinces will experience drought, while six areas will experience a dry spell.

"A strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific, and this has further intensified to near its peak in the coming months," Solidum said.

He explained that dry conditions have decreased the number of tropical cyclones, further exacerbating the drought.

Solidum said this El Niño is comparable in intensity to the severe event of 1997-1998, which was the worst the country had experienced. He added that the impact is expected to be significant, with extreme temperatures and a potential for the hottest summer in recent memory.

"The temperature forecast during amihan times is expected to be between 9.4 degrees Celsius and 14.8 degrees Celsius," Solidum said. "The maximum temperature in Northern Luzon could reach 41 degrees Celsius by April or May.

Solidum cited the need to intensify preparations for El Niño, particularly on health, water, agriculture, sanitation, peace and order. He also called for a collective effort from all sectors to mitigate the impact of the weather phenomenon.