PAG-ASA announces beginning of northeast monsoon to bring colder months in Northern Luzon

Expect colder days ahead with the onset of the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Friday. 

For the past few days, strong to gale-force northeasterly winds prevailed over Northern Luzon because of the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia, enhanced further by passing tropical cyclones, PAGASA said in a statement. 

Gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon has been observed. These meteorological conditions indicate the onset of Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season in the country,

said PAGASA. 

With these developments, the northeast wind flow is expected to gradually become more dominant over Northern Luzon, bringing cold and dry air. Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming months,

it added. 

Furthermore, amihan could be enhanced and trigger floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides over susceptible areas. The public and government agencies should be vigilant and should take measures to prevent the impact of these events. 

Northeast monsoon usually lasts until mid-February and sometimes until early March.