Cloudy skies and light rains are expected to blanket much of Luzon and parts of the Visayas in the coming days as the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan, continues to influence weather conditions across the Philippines, state meteorologists said.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the monsoon’s effects would be largely mild, bringing cooler air and intermittent showers with no significant impact on daily life for most communities.
Amihan Sets In, With Gentle but Persistent Effects
Amihan is a seasonal system of cool, dry winds flowing from the northeast, typically prevailing from October until late March or April. It forms as cold air from Siberia moves south and picks up moisture over the Pacific Ocean, releasing light to moderate rainfall over the eastern sections of the country.
“The Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) will bring cloudy skies with light rains over Luzon,” PAGASA said in its latest advisory, noting that the weather pattern marks a stable phase following the end of the southwest monsoon or Habagat earlier this season.
The transition was formally declared last October when PAGASA announced the termination of Habagat, signaling the country’s shift into the cooler monsoon period. At the time, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel T. Servando said, “The country is now transitioning to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season.”
Areas Under Cloud Cover and Light Rainfall
According to PAGASA, several regions will see more overcast conditions than others as Amihan remains dominant:
- Cloudy skies with light rains: Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon.
- Partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains: Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, the rest of Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.
In Eastern Visayas, stronger winds associated with Amihan may occasionally thicken cloud cover, though rainfall is still expected to remain light.
Strong Winds, Rough Seas Along Eastern Coasts
While rainfall is limited, wind conditions tell a different story, particularly along northern and eastern seaboards. Northern Luzon and eastern portions of Central and Southern Luzon are experiencing strong to gale-force winds blowing northeastward.
PAGASA warned that coastal waters in these areas could turn rough to very rough, posing challenges to small fishing boats and inter-island travel. Moderate to rough seas are forecast over Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas, while the rest of the country can expect slight to moderate sea conditions.
For fishing communities, especially in Cagayan Valley and the Bicol region, the monsoon acts like a steady but unforgiving tide, limiting fishing days and potentially tightening fish supply in local markets. Authorities urged small vessels to exercise caution or avoid sailing altogether during periods of strong winds.
Tropical Depression Ada Under Watch
Adding a distant note of uncertainty, PAGASA is monitoring Tropical Depression Ada, currently positioned about 1,205 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. The system packs maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour, and is moving east-southeast at 20 kilometers per hour.
At present, Ada poses no direct threat to land, but meteorologists continue to track its movement as part of routine monitoring.
Minimal Disruption, Cooler Comfort for Most
For the wider public, Amihan’s arrival has been more a matter of comfort than concern. Cooler nights and mornings have eased the heat, a welcome relief after months of humid conditions. Urban commuters in Metro Manila are likely to encounter only sporadic light showers, while farmers and outdoor workers benefit from drier days and less oppressive temperatures.
In its January outlook, PAGASA noted that the current monsoon surge, extending as far as northern Mindanao, is expected to persist through the weekend, reinforcing the season’s steady grip on the country.
As Amihan continues to shape the weather, authorities advise residents to stay alert to official bulletins, particularly along coastal areas, while reassuring the public that no major weather disturbances are expected in the near term.
