Brace for colder days due to the onset of the northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan.”
“For the past several 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 passing of low-pressure areas,” Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration chief Vicente Malano said.
“Moreover, gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon has been observed. These meteorological conditions indicate the onset of the northeast monsoon season in the country,” he added.
With such development, the northeast wind flow is expected to gradually become more dominant over Northern Luzon, bringing cold and dry air.
Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming months.
With the prevailing La Niña episode, northeast monsoon rainfall may be enhanced that could trigger floods, flash floods, and rain-induced landslides over susceptible areas, Malano warned.
“Therefore, all concerned government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of these events,” he said.
Earlier Monday, PAGASA raised the yellow warning level in Kalayaan Islands in Palawan due to the troughs of a tropical depression.
Flooding is possible in low-lying areas and landslides are possible in mountainous areas, it said.