Philippines' Northeast Monsoon Weakens, Warmer Weather Looms

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration announced on Wednesday that the northeast monsoon, known locally as amihan, is weakening significantly, paving the way for warmer and more humid weather across much of the country in the coming days. This shift, affecting primarily Northern and Central Luzon as of Wednesday, signals the gradual end of the cooler season and the potential onset of the dry months by late March.

PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez explained during a morning briefing that the amihan's influence has diminished, now limited to areas like Batanes, Cagayan, and Isabela, where cloudy skies with light rains are expected to persist over the next 24 hours. By Thursday, the monsoon may retreat to extreme Northern Luzon, allowing rising temperatures to dominate elsewhere. "As the amihan weakens, we expect a large part of the country to experience an increase in the heat index," Dominguez said, referring to the combined effect of air temperature and humidity on how hot conditions feel to the body.

The heat index reached 40 degrees Celsius in Cotabato City, Maguindanao, on Tuesday, and PAGASA forecasts it could climb to 41...