Northeast Monsoon Season 2023: Cold Surges & Weather Changes Ahead in the Philippines

Northeast Monsoon Season Begins in the Philippines

The northeast monsoon season, known as amihan, has started in the Philippines as of November 19. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that northeasterly winds will dominate most of the country. This will bring cold and dry air.

PAGASA stated that residents should expect episodes of wind and cold temperature surges. Moreover, rough sea conditions will increase, particularly along the seaboards of Luzon.

The northeast monsoon is indicated by stronger high pressure over Siberia, leading to a surge of northeasterly winds affecting northern Luzon from November 20 onward.

Delayed Onset of Monsoon Season

Typically, the northeast monsoon lasts from October to February or March. The current season’s start is delayed compared to previous years. It began more than a month after the southwest monsoon, or habagat, ended in early October.

Ana Liza Solis from PAGASA noted that while the northeasterly winds appeared in early November, they were not consistent. Factors such as a weak pressure gradient, changing jet streams, warm sea surface temperatures, and global weather events like El Niño may delay the onset of amihan.

Previously, PAGASA announced the end of El Niño in June, which caused droughts and significant agricultural losses in the country. PAGASA is also monitoring the potential development of La Niña, which may bring more rain.

There is a 71% chance of a short-lived La Niña or similar conditions developing from October to December, possibly lasting until early 2025.