Pagasa: ‘Amihan’ is here

Following the observance of gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the Northeastern part of Luzon, the weather bureau has declared the start of northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan” this year.

Northeast monsoon is associated with cold weather during the Christmas season.

Last October 12, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared the end of the southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat” – a weather system associated with the rainy season.

“With these developments the northeast wind flow is expected to further intensify and become dominant over most parts of the country, bringing cold and dry air,” Pagasa said in a statement over the weekend.

Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected due to the onset of northeast monsoon, according to the state weather agency.

In its weather bulletin on Monday, Pagasa said the northeast monsoon would affect Northern Luzon, specifically regions of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, and Cordillera. /kga