Northeast monsoon slightly weakens

Most parts of the country are experiencing fair and humid weather as the northeast monsoon weakens, now affecting only Northern Luzon.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the northeast monsoon is gradually weakening, while easterlies are affecting most of the country.

Magat Dam in Isabela opened two gates, releasing water at a rate of 223.46 cubic meters per second due to monsoon rains.

As of 8 a.m. Sunday, the water level at Magat Dam was 190.46 meters, with its normal high level at 193 meters.

“The easterlies will bring rains over Eastern Visayas, Caraga and the Davao Region. It could bring light to moderate, and at times heavy, rains in those areas,” PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said during the daily weather forecast.

Easterlies are warm, humid air currents that move westward from the Pacific Ocean.

Badrina added that PAGASA expects the effects of the northeast monsoon to end this March, as the country transitions to the dry season.

“It is gradually getting warmer, and this March, we expect the amihan season to come to an end,” Badrina said.

By Monday morning, light to moderate rainfall linked to the easterlies is forecast over the Bicol Region.

The state weather bureau also said there are no observed low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Based on PAGASA’s Automatic Weather Station Heat Index on Sunday, at least four areas in Luzon and Mindanao recorded a heat index of 40°C or higher.

Echague, Isabela recorded a heat index of 44°C, and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya recorded 52°C. In Zamboanga City, the heat index reached 52°C around 2 p.m.