It’s official: Dry season begins as amihan bows out

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon or amihan has ended, signaling the start of the dry and warm season, the state weather bureau said on Tuesday.

The high-pressure system over Siberia has shifted, reducing the strength of the northeasterly winds and increasing the temperatures across much of the country, according to Pagasa.

Simultaneously, the North Pacific High is strengthening, generating a gradual transition in wind direction, which is presently shifting to an easterly trend.

“These signify the end of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and the beginning of the warm and dry season, which is expected to last until May,” Pagasa said.

“In the coming months, warmer temperatures are expected, and rainfall across the country will be influenced mostly by easterlies and localized thunderstorms.

“The public is advised to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption,” the state weather bureau continued.

The onset of amihan began in October 2022.

READ: ‘Amihan’ is here: Pagasa says expect cooler days ahead

JMS/abc