Easterlies to warm up PH as Amihan slightly weakens

MANILA, Philippines — The break in cold weather is expected to continue as the country would be affected by easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean while the northeast monsoon slightly weakened, state meteorologists said on Friday.

Latest weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed that the northeast monsoon or Amihan only has an effect over the northernmost portion of Luzon, which will cause cold winds and light rains in the area.

While the easterlies may also bring occasional and isolated rain showers, especially by afternoon and night, weather would be generally fair in most parts of the country through the weekend.

Still, no tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country in the next three to five days.

Due to the fair weather, temperatures are expected to go up in Metro Manila with predictions of 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, 24 to 31 degrees in Laoag, 23 to 30 degrees in Legazpi, 25 to 31 degrees in Legazpi, and 25 to 32 degrees in Puerto Princesa.

Similar conditions are expected in Visayas and Mindanao, although there is still a chance of rain by the afternoon.  Temperatures in Tacloban and Cebu range from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius, and 25 to 34 degrees in Davao and Zamboanga.

Pagasa said that while no gale warning has been raised in any part of the country, waves may reach heights of 3.1 meters at the extreme northern Luzon area due to the amihan.  However, the rest of the country may see gentle seas, which means fisherfolk using small boats can set sail. [ac]