By Catherine Teves | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – Rough sea conditions are likely off northern Luzon this coming week due to possible strong winds to be triggered by the northeast monsoon or “amihan”, making sailing dangerous, the weather bureau has warned.
Such winds are possible as “amihan” is already in its peak stage, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario said.
He said the occurrence of strong winds in northern Luzon and surges of cold temperature, which even Metro Manila is experiencing, are manifestations of the peaking “amihan”.
On Saturday (Jan. 8), PAGASA said the “amihan” is surging again and affecting northern Luzon.
It said 45 kph to 59 kph winds associated with such surge can fan rough sea conditions and waves up to 4 meters high off the northern seaboards of northern Luzon’s Batanes province, Babuyan Islands, and Ilocos Norte province.
Small sea vessels must avoid sailing in rough seas, while larger sea vessels must be alert to big waves, the bureau said.
Ordinario did not discount the possibility of the sudden easing of the “amihan” during some days this coming week.
He clarified, however, that even if that happens, seas off northern Luzon would not become calm at once.
The “amihan” will likely surge again within this coming week after easing, Ordinario added. (PNA) – bny
