'Nina' exits Philippines, 'amihan' affects northern Luzon

MANILA -- After staying 10 days in the country, Tropical Storm "Nina" finally left the Philippine territory Wednesday night, the state weather bureau said.

Weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the tropical storm was moving north-northeast at 15 kilometers per hour (kph) and was expected at 940 kms northeast of Itbayat, Batanes or 240 kms east of Okinawa, Japan on Thursday.

Aurelio said during its stay in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Nina did not directly affect the country though it enhanced winds that created big waves in parts of Luzon.

He noted that no other weather disturbance was seen near the country.

Aside from possible brief rainshowers mostly in the afternoon or evening, the country will continue to have good weather condition until Saturday, he added.

Aurelio said Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon are now experiencing cold winds in the early morning due to northeast monsoon or amihan.

Cool winds from the northeast monsoon are usually associated with the Christmas season.

In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region will have occasional light rains while Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with brief rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over northern and central Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate winds coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas. (PNA)