THE weather bureau announced Wednesday, April 5, the official start of dry season, signaling "warmer and drier" weather in the country.

In a statement, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) declared the termination of northeast monsoon, noting that the resurgence of amihan winds in northern and central Luzon has weakened in the last few days.

Northeast monsoon or amihan is responsible for the cold weather experienced in the country from the Christmas season until March.

However, Pagasa said some isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms are expected on the eastern section of the country during afternoon or evening.

The state weather specialist said they will closely monitor these conditions, as well as the occasional rough coastal waters expected to hit the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas, as well as the scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in Mindanao. (SunStar Philippines)