The familiar cool breeze felt during the last quarter of the year may arrive soon, as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, Oct. 21, that the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season could begin “this week or next week.”

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the agency is monitoring changes in wind direction and pressure systems that typically occur from late October to early November, signaling the transition to amihan.

Amihan is associated with cooler, drier northeasterly winds that prevail over the country during the latter part of the year and usually last until early March.

“For now, we are still experiencing the effect of the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean,” Badrina said.

Based on PAGASA’s four-day weather outlook, cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect the eastern section of Mindanao on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

The northeasterly wind flow may resume over the northern section of Luzon from Thursday to Friday, Oct. 23 to 24, while cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are again likely over the eastern section of Mindanao on Saturday, Oct. 25.

Generally fair weather will prevail across most parts of the country during the forecast period, although isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

Badrina added that the chance of a tropical cyclone forming in the next few days is low.