The northeast monsoon or hanging amihan season is underway in the Philippines.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced the onset of the northeast monsoon on Monday, October 25.

“The northeast wind flow is expected to gradually become more dominant over Northern Luzon, bringing cold and dry air,” PAGASA said in a statement.

“Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming months.”

In addition, the weather bureau warned that La Niña, which started mid-October, could enhance the northeast monsoon.

The rain from the enhanced northeast monsoon may trigger floods and landslides.

“Therefore, all concerned government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures,” PAGASA said.

The weather bureau declared the start of the northeast monsoon based on these observations in the past days:

• “strong to gale-force northeasterly winds have prevailed over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high pressure system over Siberia and enhanced by [the] passing of low pressure areas”
• “gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon”

The northeast monsoon lasts from October to February or March. – Rappler.com