The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Nov. 25 said the effects of the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” will continue to intensify this week, with a significant surge expected to affect large portions of Luzon starting Thursday, Nov. 28.
PAGASA Weather Specialist Daniel James Villamil said that, as of Monday, there are no low-pressure areas (LPAs) within or near the Philippine area of responsibility that could develop into tropical cyclones.
Over the next three days, the amihan will bring mostly cloudy skies and light rains to Batanes, Apayao, and Cagayan.
As the amihan strengthens by Thursday, he said more areas across Luzon will begin to feel its effects, with cooler temperatures expected, particularly in the early morning,
Villamil added that while thunderstorm activity in Northern Luzon will decrease, intermittent light rains will still occur.
Meanwhile, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)—where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet—will continue to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.
Villamil warned that the ITCZ could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas, particularly in mountainous or flood-prone areas.
For the rest of the country, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are expected.