The northeast monsoon, known locally as Amihan, is forecast to strengthen over the next few days and bring rain and cloudy skies to most parts of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday.
“To avoid inclement weather during the north-east monsoon, there is a possibility of inclement weather.” [We are seeing a renewed surge of the northeast monsoon from Wednesday to Friday across a large part of the country]PAGASA meteorologist Charmagne Marie Varilla said during the agency's 5:00 p.m. weather advisory.
He said the northeast monsoon will bring cloudy skies with occasional rain over entire Luzon, especially the eastern parts of Northern, Central and Southern Luzon.
Affected areas include Metro Manila, Bicol Region and Legazpi City.
Meanwhile, similar weather conditions are expected to prevail over large parts of the Visayas from Wednesday to Thursday.
However, on Friday, Ms Varilla said the shear line – the convergence of cold winds from the northeast and warm winds from the east – is forecast to rise again, especially over eastern parts of the Visayas.
“Magdala yan ng mga katamataman hanggang sa malalakas na pag-ulan [This will bring moderate to heavy rains],” He said.
Due to the shear line, similar weather conditions are expected in parts of Mindanao, such as Metro Davao, Davao Region, Caraga and Cagayan de Oro City.
Short-lived and scattered rains are expected over the rest of Mindanao, including Zamboanga.
No low pressure areas (LPA) are being monitored by PAGASA during the forecast period and this is expected to remain the case until February 22, the agency's Tropical Cyclone Threat Potential Bulletin said.
However, between February 23 and March 1, a tropical cyclone-like vortex may form east of the Visayas and Mindanao.
PAGASA said it would monitor the projected weather disturbance to determine whether it would develop into a tropical cyclone. — Age Adrian A Eva