As the sun’s scorching rays beat down on Earth, the land slowly dries, and once-fertile soil begins to crack. The very sun that sustains life can also bring drought. Some call it a passing season, a natural shift in weather. However, isn’t it time we recognize it for what it truly is—a warning we can no longer ignore? 

Living near the equatorial plane, the Philippines had long been used to its tropical heat and the natural climate pattern El Niño. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, disrupting normal weather patterns around the world.

For the Philippines, El Niño crashes harshly during the months of March to May, completely resulting in dry sidewalks and full drought across the country. However, as of now, El Niño has been a force to fight with as it presents itself in the months of September to December of 2026.

As the sea surface temperature warms up, El Niño also brings devastating heat to the Philippine economy. When El Niño kicks in, crops often struggle to grow under harsh and dry soil conditions, with the decline of the harvests of Filipino farmers. As a result, food becomes more scarce, and prices soar. To combat this, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. encourages local governments to adjust farming schedules and keep relevant devices ready to prepare against the upcoming El Niño. What begins as a rise in ocean temperatures reaches the dining tables and supermarkets, where prices begin to rise as well.

Despite the scorching heat, rain is still expected to pour. The Southwest Monsoon, also known as Habagat, and tropical cyclones may continue to bring rain even during El Niño. This unpredictable combination of dry spells and sudden downpours highlights a greater problem–Global warming. While El Niño is a normal climate pattern, global warming may worsen its impact, resulting in more extreme effects. 

Global warming acts as an amplifier for all the wrong reasons. This effect causes persistent climate disruptions that dismantle seasonal expectations. Furthermore, global warming is driving El Niño to break historical records; recent reports from GMA Network highlight that a Super El Niño could make 2026 the hottest year on record, underscoring the severe escalation driven by the climate crisis. 

The Philippines faces growing challenges as El Niño threatens to bring extreme heat, drought, and reduced agricultural harvests. These are not merely temporary shifts in the weather; they are stark warnings written into the cracking soil. It is a vital call to action for all Filipinos to understand these climate threats, adapt their practices, and protect their livelihoods. Before the land dries beyond repair, we must answer the call—for the sun's scorching heat is a warning far too risky to ignore.