Baby, it’s cold outside: Philippines enters ‘Amihan’ season

Brace for colder days ahead, the state weather bureau said Friday as it announced the start of the northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan.”

“In recent days, strong northeasterly winds have prevailed over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia. Moreover, gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure have been observed,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

“These meteorological patterns indicate the onset of the northeast monsoon (amihan) season in the country,” it added.

The northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air, the bureau said.

An episode of wind and cold temperature surges may also be expected in the coming months.

“Moreover, with the ongoing El Niño, there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions, which could bring negative impacts (such as dry spells and droughts) in some areas of the country that will likely be manifested during the season. 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.

About two to four tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippines before the end of the year.

“Most of these tropical cyclones are landfalling or crossing. This means it will either be destructive in terms of wind strength, or it could cause heavy rains,” PAGASA assistant weather services chief Analiza Solis said.