ILOILO City – The state weather bureau officially announced the end of the northeast monsoon or Amihan and the start of the dry season.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the gradual shift in wind direction from northeasterly to easterly over most parts of the country due to the formation of the High Pressure Area (HPA) over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean signified the termination of the northeast monsoon and the start of dry season.
The day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur.
“Hindi na masyadong maulan, dry month na ito,” said Raffy Tapales, chief metrological officer of Pagasa-Iloilo.
The public is advised to take precautions to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption.
Meanwhile, Tapales said there is no forecast yet as to the occurrence of El Niño this year.
“Abangan natin. Ang weather madali lang mag-change pero sa ngayon wala pang indicator na possible ‘yung El Niño phenomenon,” Tapales added.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by long periods of hot, dry season./PN
