Ready for the chill? Pagasa says ‘amihan’ begins

MANILA, Philippines — It’s time to ready the cold weather gear as the state weather bureau has announced the onset of the northeast monsoon, or amihan, in the country on Friday.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), northeasterly solid winds, as well as the gradual cooling of the surface air temperature, were observed in northern Luzon, which indicates that the northeast monsoon winds have begun to blow.

“In recent days, strong northeasterly winds have prevailed over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia. Moreover, gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure have been observed,” Pagasa said in an advisory.

“These meteorological patterns indicate the onset of the northeast monsoon (amihan) season in the country,” Pagasa added.

The agency added that the amihan wind was expected to strengthen in the following days, bringing cold and dry air to the country.

“With these developments, the northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air. An episode of wind and cold temperature surges may also be expected in the coming months,” it added.

Pagasa likewise said there will be increased chances of reduced rainfall and dry conditions, as there is still an ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which may cause dry spells and droughts.

“Moreover, with the ongoing El Niño, there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country that will likely be manifested during the season,” the agency said.

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