Colder days ahead as amihan comes early

MANILA, Philippines — This year’s onset of the northeast monsoon, which will bring colder days all the way to February next year throughout the country, has begun.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said 2021’s northeast monsoon season is starting a little earlier than last year.

For the past several days, the weather bureau said strong to gale-force northeasterly winds have prevailed over northern Luzon, due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia, enhanced by the passing of low-pressure areas.

“Moreover, gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon has been observed. These meteorological conditions indicate the onset of the northeast monsoon season in the country,” it added.

PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano explained that with such developments, “the northeast wind flow is expected to gradually become more dominant over northern Luzon, bringing cold and dry air.”

According to him, “surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming months,” especially from December to February next year as the Christmas and New Year season nears.

PAGASA further announced that with the ongoing La Niña, northeast monsoon rainfall may be enhanced that could trigger floods, flash floods and rain-induced landslides over susceptible areas.

“Therefore, all concerned government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of these events,” Malano said.