PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — While parts of the country are already experiencing dry conditions, the National Weather Services (NWS) says the peak period between October and November is yet to come. NWS assistant director Benjamin Malai told The National that rain over the weekend in some parts of the country is not enough for crops and water sources. “When we say El Nino, it doesn’t mean that there will not be any rainfall at all. “What we are referring to is the El Nino event will impact the rainfall,” Malai explained. “Meaning some areas in the country will experience less rainfall than what it normally receives.” Malai said May to October is the usual dry season, but parts of the country will still receive rain. “In a normal year, we receive about 500mm of rain and during El Nino, it will be about or less than half of 500mm,” he said. He also said that during the dry conditions, provinces will experience shortage of water, food, prices will increase, and there will be cracks in the ground. “These cracks are normal and this is because the ground does not have moisture and it depends on where these cracks are,” he said. “If these cracks are on flat land, then it’s nothing of serious concern unless it’s a slope or mountain that may be a dangerous area when rain falls.” Malai said the rain is not a one-off thing rain will still come but less or in other provinces. He said according to analysis, Western will receive very less or no rain at all in the next few months, same for National Capital District. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Centre is urging people to use water wisely, grow smart, improve irrigation, and protect the environment…. PACNEWS