Warm, dry season begins in PH -PAGASA

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared on Wednesday, March 26 the official end of the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” season signaling the start of the warm and dry season across the country.

- ELLAIVN DE VERA-RUIZ and ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

PAGASA attributed the climate shift to a change in wind direction from northeasterly to easterly, caused by the formation of a high-pressure area over the northwestern Pacific.

While most areas will experience warmer temperatures, the extreme northern parts of Luzon may still have occasional northeasterly winds.

Although the dry season has commenced, isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening, are expected in some areas.

PAGASA advised the public to take precautions against heat stress and to use water wisely for personal and domestic consumption.

Meanwhile, Malacañang bared the government’s plans to address the rising number of measles cases and the worsening heat index in the country, including an ongoing vaccination program and establishing cooling centers.