Philippines enters Amihan season - PAGASA

State weather bureau PAGASA on Friday announced the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season.

PAGASA made the declaration after it observed strong northeasterly winds over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia, the gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon, and the increasing mean sea level pressure in recent days. 

''These meteorological patterns indicate the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season in the country,'' it said. 

''With these developments, the northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air. An episode of wind and cold temperature surges may also be expected in the coming months,'' PAGASA said.

PAGASA added that there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions in some parts of the country due to the El Niño phenomenon.

“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,” the statement read. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News