Cold season in Philippine begins – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared the onset of the northeast monsoon or amihan season, signaling the start of colder temperatures in the country.

PAGASA said the northeasterly windflow is expected to become more dominant and bring cold dry air with temperature surges.

The state weather bureau said it has observed strong northeasterly winds prevailing over Northern Luzon in recent days due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia.

There has also been a gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure.

The El Niño phenomenon is expected to further strengthen toward the end of the year.

El Niño brings an increased

likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions that could lead to negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts.

“This may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety and other key sectors in the country,” PAGASA added.

For the weekend, PAGASA said the sea line is affecting the eastern section of Central Luzon. It is forecast to bring scattered rains over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan and Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon will bring light rains over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao and Kalinga.

Isolated light rains are also forecast over the Ilocos region and the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley due to the northeast monsoon.

The rest of the country may see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides during at times heavy rain.