The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday, Oct. 19, that the country is currently in climate transition from the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," to the northeast monsoon, or "amihan," and that the colder months will begin soon.
PAGASA-Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section (CLIMPS) Assistant Weather Services Chief Ana Liza Solis said the amihan season is "just around the corner" and cooler temperatures will be felt particularly in the eastern parts of the country in the coming days.
The northeast monsoon or cold winds from the northeast that bring rains over the eastern side of the country usually lasts from October to February or March.
El Niño update
Meanwhile, Solis said the El Niño climate phenomenon would be felt from the end of November until March 2024, causing dry spells and meteorological drought.
Read: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/12/habagat-season-now-officially-over-pagasa-2
However, Solis noted that the prevalence of El Niño does not indicate a total absence of rain in the country but only "increases the probability of rainfall reduction."
"Despite na mayroon tayong El Niño, nandyan pa rin 'yung amihan na posibleng makapagpa-ulan (Despite the fact that we have El Niño, the amihan is still there that can possibly bring rains)," she said.
"Reduction lang, ibig sabihin may mga ulan pa ring matatanggap bagaman mayroon siyang kakulangan dito (Only reduction, meaning to say, there will still be rains although reduced)," she added.
Solis said about 26 provinces may experience dry spell mostly in the Visayas and Mindanao by the end of January 2024.
She added that between February and April 2024, there will be a significant reduction in rainfall due to El Niño, which will cause meteorological drought in 45 provinces.
Related stories: https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/strong-el-nino-likely-by-end-2023-pagasa
Meanwhile, Solis said rainfall may still be felt in many areas of the country, despite dry spells and drought in some provinces.
Solis also said there may still be two to four tropical cyclones that may affect the country by the end of December.
PAGASA advised the public and the government to be vigilant and to take a science-based approach to mitigate the effects of El Niño. (Lizst Torres Abello)
Read: https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/27/ph-may-still-have-4-to-7-cyclones-until-end-2023