MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has announced the gradual weakening of the Amihan (Northeast Monsoon), signaling a shift toward warmer and more humid conditions across the archipelago. As the cool seasonal winds recede, weather specialists are warning the public to prepare for rising temperatures and increasing heat indices, which are expected to persist as the country transitions into the dry season.
The weakening of the Amihan has allowed the Easterlies—warm winds blowing from the Pacific Ocean—to become the dominant weather system affecting the eastern section of the country. This shift typically results in clearer skies but significantly higher humidity levels, making the “felt” temperature much higher than the actual recorded degrees.
“We are seeing a definitive transition in our wind patterns,” a PAGASA forecaster stated during a morning briefing. “The cool surges from the north are becoming less frequent and less intense. While we may still experience some isolated rain showers and thunderstorms due to the Easterlies, the general trend for the coming weeks is a steady climb in daily temperatures.”
The weather bureau highlighted several key observations for the rest of March:
- Rising Heat Index: Areas in Northern Luzon and Metro Manila are expected to see heat indices ranging from 38°C to 42°C, falling under the “Extreme Caution” category.
- Localized Thunderstorms: Despite the heat, the collision of warm air and moisture may trigger short-lived but heavy rain showers in the afternoons or evenings, particularly in Mindanao and parts of Visayas.
- Marine Conditions: Coastal waters in Northern and Central Luzon, which were previously rough due to the Amihan, are expected to become moderate to calm, providing better conditions for small seacraft.
Health officials are advising the public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Recommendations include staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and avoiding prolonged outdoor activities during the peak heat hours of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Department of Agriculture is also monitoring the situation, as the combination of the weakening Amihan and the ongoing effects of El Niño could exacerbate water scarcity in farming communities. Farmers are being encouraged to optimize water usage and consider heat-resistant crop varieties to mitigate potential losses.
As the official “summer” season approaches, PAGASA will continue to provide daily updates on the heat index and the eventual formal declaration of the end of the Northeast Monsoon.