Baguio chills at 9.4ºC; Amihan, easterlies to prevail

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of La Trinidad, Benguet were greeted by a chilly morning yesterday, as temperature dropped to a low of 9.4 degrees Celsius.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said its agromet station at Benguet State University registered even lower readings in other towns in the province, with frost recorded in several farming villages in Atok, especially in Paoay, the town’s highest peak.

Despite the frost, tropical vegetable farmers had not reported damage, having proactively employed mitigating measures especially on leafy vegetables. The farmers water the leaves early in the morning to prevent frost buildup.

In Baguio City, temperature registered at 14 degrees Celsius.

Extended cold

According to PAGASA, the combined effects of the northeast monsoon or amihan and easterlies will continue to dominate the country’s weather.

The amihan remains active in Luzon, particularly in the extreme northern areas, where it brings cloudy skies and light rainfall. PAGASA also predicts another surge of the monsoon in the coming days, sustaining cool temperatures and enhancing cloud cover over northern Luzon and parts of eastern Luzon.

During this time, Metro Manila and most of Luzon can expect partly cloudy skies with isolated light rains throughout the day. Despite being relatively weak, the amihan continues to provide relief from hot weather, particularly in the mornings and evenings.

Meanwhile, the easterlies—warm winds blowing from the Pacific—are affecting most of Visayas and Mindanao, bringing increased humidity and significant rainfall to these regions. Cloudy skies with scattered rains are expected, especially in eastern Visayas, eastern Samar, southern Leyte, Caraga and the Zamboanga Peninsula. PAGASA has warned of potential floods and landslides due to persistent rainfall in these areas.

Temperatures in Metro Manila will range from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius, with warm afternoons expected in southern Luzon. Cebu will see temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius, while Davao will experience a slightly warmer range of 24 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Although no typhoons or low-pressure areas are being monitored, PAGASA has advised seafarers to take caution as moderate to high sea levels are expected in the northern and central Luzon seaboards due to the monsoon.

PAGASA encourages the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides.