Philippine Cold season begins
By Nidz Godino
“This may adversely affect different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety and other key sectors in the country,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has declared onset of northeast monsoon or amihan season, signaling start of colder temperatures in the country.
PAGASA said northeasterly windflow is expected to become more dominant and bring cold dry air with temperature surges.
State weather bureau has observed strong northeasterly winds prevailing over Northern Luzon in recent days due to strengthening of high-pressure system over Siberia.
There has also been gradual cooling of surface air temperature over northeastern part of Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure.
El Niño phenomenon is expected to further strengthen toward end of year.
For weekend, PAGASA said sea line is affecting 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, northeast monsoon will bring light rains over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao and Kalinga.
Isolated light rains are also forecast over Ilocos region and rest of Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley due to northeast monsoon.
Rest of the country may see isolated rains due to localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA warned of possible flash floods or landslides at times of heavy rain.
“Amihan” is the cool weather experienced during the holiday season, wherein cool and dry northeast wind from Siberia and China blows down to Southeast Asia.
“With these developments, northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air,” state weather bureau said.
Episodes of a surge in cold temperature may also be expected in next months, PAGASA stated.
State weather bureau said that dry spells may still be experienced in areas where there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions due to El Niño.
“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 said.
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