Northeast monsoon slightly weakens as easterlies prevail

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

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

Magat Dam in Isabela has opened two gates, releasing water at 223.46 cubic meters per second due to the monsoon rains. As of 8:00 AM on Sunday, the water level in Magat Dam is at 190.46 meters, while its normal-high level is at 193 meters.

“The easterlies will bring rains over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and the Davao region. It could bring light to moderate, at times heavy, rains in those areas,” said PAGASA Weather Specialist Obet Badrina.

The easterlies refer to warm, humid air moving westward from the Pacific Ocean.

Badrina added that the effects of the northeast monsoon are expected to end this March, as the country transitions into 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 forecasted over the Bicol region.

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

PAGASA's Automatic Weather Station Heat Index showed that on Sunday, at least four areas in Luzon and Mindanao recorded heat indices of 40°C or higher.

Echague, Isabela, and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, recorded heat indices of 44°C and 52°C, respectively. Meanwhile, in Zamboanga City, the heat index reached 52°C around 2:00 PM.