The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, March 23, announced the end of the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” marking the start of the country’s warm and dry season, which is expected to bring hotter and more humid conditions.

PAGASA said the transition is driven by a shift in wind direction from northeasterly to easterly due to the formation of a high-pressure area over the northwestern Pacific.

However, some parts of Northern Luzon may still experience occasional northeasterly winds, the agency said.

“Day-to-day weather across the country will generally be fair and will gradually become warmer, except for isolated thunderstorms,” PAGASA-Climate and Agrometeorology Division senior weather specialist Dr. Joseph Basconcillo said.

Basconcillo said more dry days are expected in April and May, particularly in Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, where many provinces may experience 11 to 20 dry days.

He added that some areas in extreme Northern Luzon, including Ilocos Norte and Apayao, could see as many as 25 to 31 dry days in April.

By May, most provinces, especially in extreme Northern Luzon such as Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and Cagayan, may experience 21 to 25 days with minimal rainfall, or less than one millimeter of rain.

Basconcillo also said temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming months, with Northern Luzon possibly reaching up to 40.5 degrees Celsius in April and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in May.

In mountainous areas of Luzon, temperatures may reach around 30.2 degrees Celsius in April and about 28.9 degrees Celsius in May, he added.

PAGASA said the coming months will likely bring less rainfall, higher temperatures, and elevated heat index levels.

The agency advised the public to take precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and to use water efficiently for personal and domestic needs.