THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) yesterday declared the start of the northeast monsoon season, or “amihan.”
PAGASA administrator Vicente Malano said the onset of the amihan season signals the end of the southwest monsoon season, or “habagat.”
Northeast monsoon means cold winds from the northeast that bring rains in the eastern side of the country, while the southwest monsoon is characterized by warm moist winds from the southwest that cause rains in the western portion of the country.
“Recent analyses showed that a significant weakening of the southwest monsoon has been observed over the last few days,” Malano said in a statement.
Malano also said the strengthening of the high-pressure area over the Asian continent has resulted to “gradual changing of the season.”
“With these developments, the southwest monsoon season or known locally as habagat is now officially over,” he said.
“The season in the Philippines is in the process of transition and will be expecting the gradual start of the northeast monsoon season in the coming days with a shift in the direction of the winds,” he also said.
Malano said there is an increased likelihood of “above-normal rainfall conditions” which may trigger flooding and landslides, especially with the ongoing La Niña.
“Therefore, all concerned government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of these events,” said Malano.
