Pagasa: Cool season not yet over

THE cool season is not yet over, as the northeast monsoon, locally known as Amihan, has returned in full force, bringing cold winds from mainland China and the Siberian region to Cebu.

At present, both China and the Siberian regions are experiencing the winter season.

Alfredo "Al" Quiblat, chief of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, said that this trend persists after the recent respite brought by the monsoon break last week.

A monsoon break refers to a temporary interruption or cessation in the typical pattern of monsoonal rainfall. Monsoons are seasonal wind patterns that bring significant changes in precipitation to certain regions during different times of the year.

Quiblat told SunStar Cebu on Monday, February 12, 2024, that Cebuanos will continue to experience cold weather as the temperature has dropped to as low as 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach only 30 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the heat index is expected to hover around 33 or 34 degrees Celsius.

The heat index, also referred to as the "feels-like" temperature, quantifies the perceived warmth experienced by the human body when both relative humidity and actual air temperature are taken into account.

He also said that the wind speed is increasing due to the Amihan, although there is no gale warning raised in Central Visayas, indicating that it is safe for sea travel.

"The wind is getting stronger, which could reach up to 40 kilometers per hour, though we have not issued any gale warning in any parts of Central Visayas. However, in Eastern Visayas, there is one in the Samar region," he said.

He clarified that normally, wind speed is only at 20 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Quiblat added that Cebu will experience isolated rain, but this is not due to any tropical depression or low pressure area. The light rain is brought by the prevailing easterlies.

Easterlies refer to the prevailing winds that come from the Pacific Ocean and move toward the Philippine archipelago. These winds bring warm and moist air, which can lead to increased humidity and occasional rain showers, particularly in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

The state meteorologist considered the current weather conditions as "generally fair," adding that they will extend until Friday, February 16. The public will likely experience sunny to partly cloudy weather with small chances of rain.

"Valentine s Day will be sunny and partly cloudy with small chances of rain," he said. (KJF)