Cool Valentine’s but season shifts to ‘dry hot’ this month

CEBU, Philippines - It will be a cold Valentine's Day today as the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to bring cold air from wintery mainland China or Siberia.

Yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Cebu recorded the lowest temperature in the province at 23 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA-Cebu chief Engr. Alfredo Quiblat, Jr. said the average air temperature for February is from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Usually, the coldest days in the year in the Philippines are in January but yesterday's 23 degrees Celsius is lower compared to the recorded temperatures in January 2017 at 23.6 degrees Celsius experienced on January 11, 12, and 17.

"Based on observations for over three decades, we experience the coldest days in January if compared to the normal temperature in the country because it is also when the cold season in China peaks," Quiblat said.

He said the actual temperature in the country may vary from time to time depending on China's climatic conditions.

Since China is experiencing winter, the wind originating from the upper sections of the Philippines blows cold breeze down the country.

Quiblat said this happens typically from December to February during the dry cold season when winds are cool depending on the freezing conditions in China.

But the cool temperature here can only last too long as the country transitions to the dry hot season also this month, which will carry on until May. —/JMO (FREEMAN)