New Year weekend to be cyclone-free –PAGASA

After reeling from two cyclones in December, Filipinos can expect a cyclone-free start to the New Year, state weather forecasters have said.

 

As Tropical Cyclone Quinta weakened into an LPA on Thursday, PAGASA said its likely dissolution within 24 hours will leave the Philippines with mostly clear weather for the next few days.

 

However, PAGASA forecaster Bernie de Leon said there may be brief rain showers and thunderstorms brought by the northeast monsoon.

 

"Sa ngayon maliban sa Quinta, medyo malinis sa Pacific. Wala tayong namamataang mag-develop into tropical cyclone, magiging maganda ang panahon," he said in an interview on dzBB radio late Wednesday.

 

He said the northeast monsoon will be the dominant weather system once Quinta leaves the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).  

^{Satellite image as of 10:30 a.m., December 27, showing mostly clear skies in Quinta's wake.}  

The northeast monsoon will likely bring light rain to the eastern section of Luzon, he added.

 

But he also advised the public to continue wearing jackets or thicker clothing especially before dawn or in the early morning.

 

"Hanggang January to February, patuloy ang lakas ng amihan na magbibigay ng malamig na simoy ng hangin (In January and February we can expect the northeast monsoon to bring cold weather)," he said. PAGASA's weather advisory as of Thursday noon cautioned fishermen and small seacraft not to venture out to sea due to high waves in the wake of Quinta's passing. — TJD, GMA News