The northeast monsoon or "amihan" weakened, offering a respite from the chilly weather associated with Christmas, the state weather bureau said Monday.

The cold and dry air from the northeast may strengthen again this week, ushering in cooler days, said PAGASA meteorologist Aldczar Aurelio.

In the meantime, the easterlies or warm winds from the Pacific will bring fair weather that may be marred by localized thunderstorms, he told radio DZMM.

One or 2 storms may also enter the country before the year ends. These are likely to hit land due to amihan, he said.

There was no storm or low pressure area spotted inside the Philippine area of responsibility and off the Pacific Ocean on Monday, Aurelio said.

DZMM, 3 December 2018