Pagasa may announce warm, dry season by March's end

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has announced that the warm and dry season may begin by the end of March. Pagasa's Administrator, Nathaniel Servando, explained that they cannot officially declare the start of the season yet due to the ongoing northeast monsoon, known locally as "amihan." Servando indicated that many people have been curious about the warm weather. However, the continued presence of cold mornings and cloudy skies means the transition hasn’t occurred yet. He mentioned that the amihan should weaken soon, which would signal the beginning of warmer conditions. Pagasa’s Climate Monitoring Chief, Ana Liza Solis, confirmed that recent cloudiness has created warm and humid weather. She explained that the high moisture levels in the atmosphere hinder sweating, contributing to the uncomfortable heat. This cloudiness is due to both the northeast monsoon and warm winds coming in from the Pacific Ocean. Solis also indicated that La Niña conditions are enhancing the easterlies, leading to more cloudiness and warmth in the region. She mentioned that the warm and dry season could last until May, but localized thunderstorms may still happen, bringing humid weather at times.