Pagasa declares start of Amihan

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday declared the onset of northeast monsoon or Amihan, adding that the public can expect cooler temperatures, dry air across the country, with periodic surges expected in the coming months.

PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said that over the past several days, the high pressure area over Siberia has strengthened, leading to a strong surge of northeasterly winds which is expected to affect the northern portion of Luzon beginning yesterday, after the passage of Super Typhoon Pepito.

“Furthermore, successive surges of northeasterly winds are expected over the next two weeks, leading to an increase in atmospheric pressure and cooling of surface air temperature over the northern portion of Luzon. The development of these meteorological patterns indicate the onset of the northeast monsoon (Amihan) season,” Servando said.

Servando added that the northeasterly wind flow is expected to be more dominant in most of the country, bringing cold and dry air.

“Episodes of wind and cold temperature surges, as well as increasing prevalence of rough sea conditions, especially over the seaboards of Luzon are also expected in the coming months,” Servando added.

The state weather bureau said that Amihan will persist until February 2025.

According to the state weather bureau, longer nights will be more evident in December as the public should expect early sunset and delayed sunrise. — (FREEMAN)