MANILA, Philippines — Expect cooler temperatures and dry air as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the onset of the northeast monsoon or amihan yesterday.
PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said that over the past several days, a high-pressure area over Siberia has strengthened, leading to a strong surge of northeasterly winds, which began affecting 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 indicates the onset of the northeast monsoon season,” Servando said.
He 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 the condition will persist until February 2025.
PAGASA said longer nights will be more evident in December, as the public should expect early sunsets and delayed sunrises.