The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Friday declared the end of the southwest monsoon season or “hanging habagat,” which ushers in the colder northeasterly or “amihan” winds.
“Recent analyses showed a significant weakening of the southwest monsoon winds over the last few days. With this development, the southwest monsoon season or known locally as ‘habagat’ has ended,” Pagasa Administrator Vicente Malano said.
“Moreover, the strengthening of the high pressure area systems over the Asian continent suggests the gradual transition of the season. This pattern will lead to the beginning of the northeast monsoon or amihan season in the coming days,” he added.
The change in season has already been felt in highland Baguio City, where temperatures fell to 13.8 degrees Celsius, and nearby Atok in Benguet province recorded 9 degrees Celsius, the weather bureau noted.