PAGASA declares start of dry season

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Friday, March 22, officially announced the start of the warm and dry season following the end of the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season in the country.

It said the end of amihan and the start of the warm and dry season were marked by the change in the predominant wind pattern from northeasterly to easterly and the observation of rising air temperatures.

PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando said the number of dry and warm days across the country will continue to increase in the coming months, but isolated thunderstorms may still occur, usually in the afternoon or evening.

El Niño’s combined effect with the start of the warm and dry season will result in higher temperatures and less rain in the coming months.

In a press conference, Pagasa-climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CLIMPS) officer-incharge Ana Liza Solis said the current El Niño may make this year’s warm and dry season “one of the warmest” in history.

She noted that the air temperature in the Cagayan Valley – with maximum temperatures ranging from 38 to 39 degrees Celsius – could reach 40 degrees Celsius this season.

PAGASA advised the public and government agencies to continue taking precautionary measures to reduce heat stress, optimize daily water use for personal and domestic consumption, and avoid any health risks associated with this climate condition.

The ongoing El Niño is expected to cause significant reductions in rainfall and drier-thanusual conditions, potentially leading to dry spells and droughts across the country.

PAGASA said various climatesensitive sectors, such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other critical sectors in the country, may continue to suffer adversely.

The warm and dry season usually lasts until May.

The El Niño condition has weakened, but its impact may peak between March and May, with a “lag effect” lasting until June or July, Solis said.

‘Semana’ weather

PAGASA said the easterlies and ridge of high-pressure area will be the dominant weather systems that may bring hot weather and isolated rain showers across the country during the Holy Week.

Servando advised the public to exercise caution due to the anticipated hot and humid weather next week.