PAGASA: Despite cooler weather, 'amihan' not yet quite here

Despite the cooler weather in parts of Metro Manila Tuesday, state weather forecasters said the amihan (northeast monsoon) is still not quite here yet. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said temperatures should go below 30 degrees Celsius once the amihan settles in. "Temperatures have dropped a bit to between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius but Amihan is not quite settled yet," PAGASA forecaster Elson Dianela said in Filipino in an interview on dzBB radio early Tuesday. He said that once the amihan settles in, temperatures are expected to drop to the 20s in Metro Manila. "Usually dapat hindi na umaabot ng 30, mga 20-plus na lang," Dianela said. In past days, Metro Manila residents had complained of sweltering heat even in the morning, many asking PAGASA when the cool amihan winds would arrive. The cool winds of amihan are associated with the Christmas season. However, PAGASA's five-day forecast until November 19 indicated Metro Manila may still have to put up with relatively warm weather. The forecast indicated a temperature range of between 23 and 31 degrees Celsius until Saturday. Scattered rain showers are expected until Friday, even as the weather may improve slightly on Saturday. — RSJ, GMA News