Up to 3 storms expected this September–Pagasa

MT Satellite image September 4, 2013, Wednesday, 7:32AM. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines — Up to three storms are still expected this September as the southwest monsoon would end in the last week up to first week of October, state forecasters said Wednesday.

Gilbert Aquino of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said however that storms were still possible even if “hanging habagat” or the southwest monsoon would shift to “hanging amihan” or northeast monsoon by October.

The northeast monsoon brings cold winds from China and Siberia, which is also identified with Christmas season in the Philippines.

Weather in the country will be generally sunny as there is no weather disturbance spotted near and within the Philippine area of responsibility, Aquino said.

However, isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms will still be affecting the whole country, including Metro Manila.

A ridge of high pressure area is affecting Luzon and is causing the warm weather.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the northwest to west prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate, Pagasa said.