“AMIHAN” or the northeast monsoon, which is characterized by cold winds, officially ended yesterday, signaling the start of the warm and dry season.
“The shift of wind direction from northeasterly to easterly due to the establishment of the high pressure area over the northwestern Pacific signifies the termination of the northeast monsoon over most parts of the country and the start of the dry season,” said
Nathaniel Servando, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), in announcing the termination of the northeast monsoon which started on November 19 last year.
Despite the end of the northeast monsoon, Servando said, extreme northern Luzon may still experience “occasional northeasterly winds.”
“With this development, the day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer, though isolated thunderstorms are also likely to occur,” he said.
“The public is advised to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and optimize the daily use of water for personal and domestic consumption,” he added.
Seven areas experienced danger level heat index on Tuesday. These are Dagupan City in Pangasinan; Baler, Aurora; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Legazpi City, Albay; Virac, Catanduanes; Pili, Camarines Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Two areas — Dagupan City and San Ildefonso — are projected to have a danger level heat index today based on PAGASA’s bulletin issued on Tuesday afternoon.
The danger level heat index ranges from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius. People are likely to experience heat cramps and heat exhaustion, and heat stroke is probable if there is continued exposure.
