Weather: Amihan now affecting north Luzon

The cool Christmas breeze is drawing closer as the northeast monsoon (amihan) is now affecting extreme northern Luzon, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Monday. In a post on its Twitter account, PAGASA said it expects the amihan to start affecting the rest of Luzon by Tuesday. "(Amihan is) affecting Extreme Northern Luzon," it said. "(It) is expected to affect the rest of Luzon by tomorrow," it added. The amihan winds are associated with the Christmas season. Last Saturday, PAGASA forecaster Gener Quitlong said the northeast winds are being felt but are not quite here yet. Earlier, PAGASA forecasters said the transition between the southwest monsoon and the northeast winds have begun, with the cool winds expected to come soon. Thunderstorms in NCR; LPA weakening Meanwhile, PAGASA forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the rain over parts of Metro Manila Monday are due to a thunderstorm and not a cyclone. Aurelio said a potential cyclone — a low-pressure area — off extreme northern Luzon appears to be weakening at this time. "Ang kagandahan niyan humihina ang namataang LPA. Ibig sabihin hindi siya magiging bagyo (The good news is that the LPA is weakening. It is not likely to become a cyclone)," he said ina n interview on dzBB radio. He said at least three to four cyclones are expected to enter or form inside Philippine territory before yearend. — RSJ, GMA News