‘Amihan,’ Tail-end of Cold Front to Bring Rains Wednesday

Rains are expected in most parts of the country on Wednesday due two weather systems now affecting the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA said northeast monsoon now prevails over extreme Northern Luzon while the tail-end of a cold front affects the eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon.

The northeast monsoon or “hanging amihan” is the cold wind from China and Siberia that blows into the country from late October until mid-February. It is usually associated with the Christmas season.

The tail-end of a cold front serves as the front boundary of two air masses, hot and cold, that produces clouds and rain.

For Wednesday forecast, PAGASA said the presence of northeast monsoon and tail-end of cold front will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora and Quezon while cloudy skies with light rains are expected over the rest of Cagayan Valley region.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will be experienced over the regions of Ilocos and Cordillera while partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

The state-run weather bureau also issued a gale warning due to the effects of the northeast monsoon as the sea condition would be rough to very rough due to strong to gale force winds expected to affect the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

“Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves,” it warned.

Meanwhile, weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said there is no weather disturbance seen near the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) which may affect the country within the next three days.

He added the state weather bureau still expects one more cyclone to affect the country before the year ends.

The next tropical cyclone will be locally named “Nonoy,” the 14th tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

In its advisory, PAGASA said moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas. (PNA) JBP/CLTC