PAGASA: Warm, but not yet summer

As the summer season nears, the warm and humid easterly winds originating from the Pacific Ocean will become the dominant weather system this week.

According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Gener Quitlong, the weak northeast monsoon or ‘amihan’ was still affecting Luzon on Sunday, bringing slightly lower than average temperature, especially over northern Luzon and some parts of Central Luzon.

Meanwhile, the warm easterlies, which has been affecting Visayas and Mindanao over the weekend will continue to prevail throughout the week.

One of the manifestations of the prevalence of easterly winds is a more frequent occurrence of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening over most parts of the country.

Quitlong said that today until Wednesday, isolated thunderstorms will already prevail due to humid weather from the prevailing easterly winds.

The prevalence of easterlies and/ or ridge of high pressure area follows the impending end of ‘amihan’ season in the country.

Based on PAGASA’s climatological record, the termination of ‘amihan’ season is usually declared by end of March or early April.

Last year, PAGASA declared the end of amihan on April 5.