PH enters dry season as ‘amihan’ ends

National

THE dry season is here.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has announced the start of the dry season in the country after the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, has ended.

Pagasa said the change in wind direction from northeasterly to easterly marks the shift to warmer and drier conditions. This change is due to a high-pressure area over the Northwestern Pacific.

Most parts of the country are expected to experience generally fair weather, although isolated thunderstorms may still occur. Some areas in Northern Luzon may continue to feel occasional northeasterly winds.

In a report by Philstar, Pagasa senior weather specialist Joseph Basconcillo said rainfall is expected to decrease in April, especially in extreme Northern Luzon. He added that higher heat index levels may be experienced in more areas by May.

Based on Pagasa’s forecast, many parts of Northern and Central Luzon may have 11 to 20 dry days. Areas such as Ilocos Norte and Apayao may experience 25 to 31 dry days.

By May, dry conditions are expected to become more widespread, especially in extreme Northern Luzon, including Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan, where rainfall may drop to less than one millimeter. (Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)