Catanduanes will still suffer from the effects of the drought in the next six months, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported last week.
This November 2026, it will be among the 12 provinces, including four from Bicol region, that are considered to be in drought condition or three (3) consecutive months of way below normal rainfall (more than 60 percent reduction from average precipitation).
The Climate Outlook issued last Oct. 21, 2026 said the other Bicol areas in the list are Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.
The number of drought-hit areas will increase to 54 provinces by December, 74 by January 2026, 81 by February and all 87 provinces of the Philippines by March.
Based on the monthly rainfall forecast of PAGASA, Catanduanes will have below normal precipitation this November, followed by way below normal rainfall in the next five months.
The number of dry days in the island province will also increase by an average of six days each month, with residents to endure hotter than usual conditions along with the rest of the country.
The only relief in sight, the report stated, is during the first three months of 2027 when slightly cooler temperatures are brought by the northeast monsoon.
Only two to six weather disturbances are expected to develop or enter the PAR in the next six months: 1 or 2 this November, 1 or 2 in December, 0 or 1 in January, slim chance by February and March, and 0 or 1 by April.
Records of the PAGASA Virac Synoptic Station headed by chief meteorological officer Juan Pantino Jr. show that only 92.7 millimeters of rain fell on the capital town in September 2026.
This is 62 percent below the average of 241 mm for the last six years from 2020 to 2025.
For the first 15 days of October, the station recorded only 121.1 mm of rain, or only 22 percent of the 538 mm average for the entire month in the last six years.