The northeast monsoon or "amihan" has again intensified, affecting Northern and Central Luzon on Wednesday, March 3, said a weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
"Lumalakas muli ang amihan o ang malamig na hangin na nagmumula sa mainland Asia at nakakaapekto sa Northern and Central Luzon. (The amihan or the cold winds coming from mainland Asia is intensifying again and is affecting Northern and Central Luzon)," PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said in its 4 a.m. update on Wednesday.
"Tropical cyclone or low pressure area development is less likely this week. Instead, in the next two days, unti unti pang lalakas ang northeast monsoon na maaari pa mag-extend sa natitirang bahagi ng Luzon and Visayas (the northeast monsoon will gradually strengthen which can extend to the rest of Luzon and Visayas)," he added.
He said light to moderate with occasional heavy monsoon rains may affect Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Aurora, and Quezon in the next 24 hours.
Estareja warned those in these areas to remain alert against possible flash floods or landslides.
Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may also have isolated light amihan rains, but have no significant impact over the area.
The rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.
Estareja also warned of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms that may occur in the afternoon or evening.
A gale warning remains in effect on Wednesday morning due to anticipated rough to very rough seas caused by the amihan over the northern and western seaboards of Northern Luzon.
Fishing boats and other small boats were advised not to venture out into the seas of Batanes and Ilocos Norte, and northern coast of Cagayan and Babuyan Islands.
Meanwhile, larger sea vessels were asked to remain alert against big waves.