The northeast monsoon or hanging amihan caused temperatures in Baguio City and Metro Manila to plunge to their lowest levels, so far, for the current amihan season.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the temperature in Baguio City dropped to 9.4°C on Sunday, January 31, while 19.9°C was recorded at the Science Garden in Quezon City.

The amihan season has been ongoing since November 2020, bringing cold and dry air to the Philippines.

The northeast monsoon could last until the 2nd or 3rd week of February 2021, according to PAGASA Senior Weather Specialist Chris Perez.

This means that temperatures may still drop further in the coming days or weeks, especially before dawn or very early morning.

The lowest temperature ever recorded in Baguio City was 6.3°C on January 18, 1961, or 60 years ago.

Aside from chilly weather, the northeast monsoon may also trigger rain in parts of the country.

Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the Davao Region, in particular, could have moderate to heavy rain on Monday, February 1. The rest of the country may only experience isolated light rain.

At the moment, there is no low pressure area or potential tropical cyclone being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The Philippines has yet to have its first tropical cyclone of 2021. – Rappler.com