MANILA – Temperature at Baguio City dropped to a chilly 11.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

"It’s the lowest temperature so far in our Baguio station since the start of the amihan season,” Pagasa weather forecaster Ariel Rojas told ABS-CBN News of the 11.8 degrees Celsius temperature recorded at 6 a.m. on Monday.

The onset of the amihan season, or the northeast monsoon that prevails over the eastern part of the Philippines, was declared on October 24.

• READ: Colder days ahead as amihan season starts

"The temperature is expected to be even lower this month and in January,” Rojas said.

Pagasa estimates that temperature in Baguio will fluctuate between 11 to 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the strength of the northeast monsoon, which has been associated with the cool Christmas season weather.

He said such cold weather is usually experienced in Baguio, Tuguegarao City and Laoag in Ilocos Norte.

The amihan season is associated with cold and dry winds, as well as light rains. During this time, storms heading north, fueled by warm and moist air, are often weakened because of the cooler weather.