Weather trends in the Philippines are primarily decided by two winds that alternate in prevailing over the other on different parts of the year. The northeast wind or “Amihan” usually comes in late in the year to bring cool winds giving moderate temperatures with minimal rainfall in Luzon and the Visayasa (Mindanao, not much). The Amihan fades as the following year goes on, being replaced by the southwest monsoon or “Habagat” which brings in the rainy season. In between the Amihan-Habagat transition the Easterlies would strengthen, with hot and humid weather from around March to June. As it is, the Amihan from late 2020 has gone away this past Wednesday.

According to The Manila Bulletin, the Amihan wind faded significantly from the Philippine weather system as of March 24 in the afternoon. This was reported by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which added that come this Thursday, March 25, it is the Easterlies from the Pacific Ocean that are in play, upping the warmth and humidity across the country the way it always does anywhere from March until June or July. But it does not have to be entirely rainless, as the Easterlies might bring the occasional rain-showers and thunderstorms too.

Next is the bad, or perhaps uncomfortable, news to add to the hassle of the COVID pandemic. It is the expected temperature increases that come with the loss of the Amihan and the further rise of the Easterly winds. PAGASA weather specialist Joey Figuracion notes that over the next three days Metro Manila’s previous average of 24 degrees Celsius will go up to 33 degrees. Tuguegarao, hottest place in the country, will jump from 22 degrees to 34 Celsius. By contrast, in Baguio 16 degrees will become 25. Metro Cebu’s 25 degrees will become 32 while Metro Davao rises in temperature from 25 to 34.

For the possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms, the weather bureau forecasts them in Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao Region anytime today. This is due to a prevailing weather front currently over extreme northern Luzon. While not extensive, these sudden rains could still trigger landslides or flooding, so PAGASA is again stressing constant vigilance with the public. The Amihan, while insignificant now, is still present and is not expected to terminate entirely until sometime this coming weekend. Then the hot season commences.

Image courtesy of CDN Inquirer.net