Pagasa: Dry season is here

(Updated, 11:28 a.m.) Get ready for warmer days ahead as the state weather bureau declared the onset of the summer season.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced at the 90th Climate Outlook Forum on Wednesday the start of dry season in the Philippines, which is characterized by warm and humid weather.

The weather bureau declares the onset of the dry season in the country once the easterlies, or the warm winds from the east, become the dominant weather system.

In a separate statement declaring the termination of the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan, Pagasa said the resurgence of the northeast monsoon that affected the Northern and Central Luzon the past few days has weakened.

BACKSTORY: Complaining of heat already? Pagasa says it’s not summer yet

Weather map analyses and numerical model outputs have indicated the establishment of North Pacific high pressure area over the weekend. The changes on the wind pattern also signify the termination of the northeast monsoon.

Warmer and drier days are ahead in the coming weeks due to the dominance of the extended ride of the North Pacific high pressure area, Pagasa said.

Isolated rains and thunderstorms are still expected in the afternoon or evening in the eastern section due to localized convection, it added.

Coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough especially over the eastern section of Luzon and the Visayas due to moderate to strong easterly winds.

Mindanao, meanwhile, will experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the northward migration of intertropical convergence zone or passage of easterly waves, Pagasa said. IDL