MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ weather bureau announced the start of the northeast monsoon or amihan season on Friday, October 20.

“In recent days, strong northeasterly winds have prevailed over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia,” said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in a statement.

“Moreover, gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon and increasing mean sea level pressure have been observed,” added PAGASA.

These mean that “the northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air.”

Surges of cold temperatures and winds are also expected in the coming months.

The northeast monsoon season usually lasts from October until February or March.

But PAGASA also noted that since El Niño is underway, the chances of “below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions” are higher.

El Niño may trigger dry spells and droughts in some areas during the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

That could affect water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety, warned PAGASA.

The declaration of the northeast monsoon season comes a little over a week after the weather bureau announced the end of the southwest monsoon or habagat season. – Rappler.com