EXPECT to see more Filipinos getting dressed in layers in the next few months as the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season has officially begun in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In a statement on Monday, the state weather bureau said that the onset of the northeast monsoon season in the country was based on meteorological patterns observed over the past few days.

Pagasa noted that a high-pressure area over East Asia has strengthened in the past few days, resulting in “a surge of northeasterly winds” over extreme Northern Luzon.

Additionally, increasing atmospheric pressure and cooling of the surroundings have been observed.

“The amihan is expected to be more dominant in most areas of the country, bringing cool and dry air and episodes of cold temperature surges,” the weather bureau said.

In the next two weeks, Pagasa said successive surges of the monsoon may result in “rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

The public has been reminded to stay updated on weather reports, as occurrences of rough sea conditions and shear lines are expected during the season.

The onset of the northeast monsoon season came three weeks after Pagasa declared the end of the southwest monsoon or habagat season, which means that the rainy season in the western parts of Luzon and Visayas has concluded.

Based on its latest weather report, Pagasa said there are no low pressure areas being monitored for tropical cyclone formation.