Manila, Sept. 7 -- Most parts of the country will likely experience way below normal rainfall due to a very strong El Nino expected towards yearend, the head of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Monday.

"This means 60 percent or more reduction of average rainfall in a month," PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

A moderate to strong El Nino is present in the Tropical Pacific.

The ongoing El Nino is forecast to continue until the first half of 2027, and may reach a very strong state before the end of 2026.

For September, below normal rainfall will prevail over most of Northern Luzon, and near normal rainfall over the rest o...