MANILA -- Temperatures are expected to drop as the state weather bureau on Friday announced the start of the amihan season, characterized by cold winds blowing from the northeast.
Strong to gale force northeasterly winds have prevailed over North Luzon "for the past several days," PAGASA weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said in a statement.
The amihan, which coincides with the Christmas season, replaces the habagat or southwest monsoon.
"With these developments, the northeast wind flow is expected to further intensify and become dominant over most parts of the country, bringing cold and dry air," PAGASA said.
"Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming days," it said.