PAGASA to declare onset of northeast monsoon in few days

The onset of the northeast monsoon is likely to be declared in the next few days amid the presence of a northeasterly windflow affecting parts of Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday.

“When we start mentioning the northeasterly windflow weather system, the chances increase that we are approaching the amihan season,” Veronica C. Torres,PAGASA weather specialist, said in a 5:00 a.m. press briefing in Filipino.

“So, we are not ruling out the possibility of officially declaring the amihan season in the next few days,” she added.

PAGASA earlier said that during the northeast monsoon season, cooler temperatures and rainy conditions are likely, especially in the northern parts of Luzon. The monsoon usually persists until March.

Meanwhile, the northeasterly windflow is expected to bring rains over Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela, with no significant impact expected in the next 24 hours, PAGASA said in its 4:00 a.m. weather advisory.

It will likewise affect the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the rest of Cagayan Valley.

During the same period, localized thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

PAGASA had not monitored any tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of 8:00 a.m. — Edg Adrian A. Eva