By PAGASA Officially Declares Start of Amihan Season; Cooler Weather Expected in Baguio
October 27, 2026 — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the start of the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan, signaling the beginning of the country’s cooler season.
In a press release issued Tuesday, October 27, PAGASA confirmed that recent weather observations indicate the onset of the Amihan season, which is expected to bring cooler temperatures to many parts of the Philippines in the coming months.
What Led to the Start of Amihan?
According to PAGASA, a strengthening high-pressure area over East Asia has caused a surge of northeasterly winds and lower air temperatures over Extreme Northern Luzon.
These weather patterns indicate that the Northeast Monsoon has begun.
Amihan is characterized by cooler winds originating from the northeast, which influence weather conditions across the Philippines, particularly during the final months of the year and the early months of the following year.
What Does This Mean for Baguio City and the Cordillera?
For Baguio City and other high-elevation areas in the Cordillera, the arrival of Amihan signals the approach of the cooler months of the year.
As northeasterly winds become more established, residents and visitors can generally expect cooler mornings and evenings, particularly in elevated areas.
Baguio’s mountainous location makes it naturally cooler than many lowland areas, and temperatures can drop further during periods of stronger cold northeasterly winds.
However, PAGASA’s October 27 announcement does not specify when significant temperature drops will occur in Baguio or how cold the city may become this season.
Actual temperatures will depend on daily weather conditions and the strength of the northeast monsoon.
Cooler Weather, Cold Surges, and Rough Seas Expected
PAGASA expects Amihan to become the dominant weather system over most parts of the Philippines in the coming months.
The weather bureau identified several conditions associated with the season:
- Cooler weather: Northeasterly winds may bring lower temperatures, particularly in Northern Luzon and elevated areas.
- Cold surges: Periods of stronger northeasterly winds may produce noticeably cooler conditions.
- Rough seas: Strong winds may create hazardous sea conditions, particularly for small vessels and coastal communities.
PAGASA also emphasized that other weather systems, including the shear line, tropical cyclones, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), may continue to affect the country during the season.
This means that while cooler weather is expected, rainfall and other weather disturbances may still occur.
PAGASA Continues to Monitor El Niño
Aside from the onset of Amihan, PAGASA is closely monitoring the ongoing El Niño, which the agency expects to become very strong before the end of 2026.
El Niño is associated with changes in rainfall and temperature patterns and can influence weather conditions in different parts of the country.
PAGASA said it will continue monitoring the country’s weather and climate conditions and urged the public and concerned agencies to regularly follow official weather information.
With the Northeast Monsoon season now officially underway, residents of Baguio City and the Cordillera can anticipate the gradual return of the cooler conditions commonly associated with the final months of the year, although the timing and intensity of colder weather will vary.
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