Pedestrians in various parts of the Philippines are navigating light rain under umbrellas as cooler temperatures take hold, driven by the northeast monsoon, locally known as amihan, and a monitored shear line. These weather systems are contributing to cloudy skies and occasional showers across the country, according to recent reports.
Visayas Experiences Surge of Amihan
Residents in Cebu can anticipate cooler temperatures and generally cloudy conditions in the coming days as the northeast monsoon continues to influence the Visayas region. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas has provided insights into this weather pattern.
Ana Dumdum, a weather specialist at Pagasa Visayas, informed SunStar Cebu on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that Cebu and the rest of the Visayas have been experiencing a surge of amihan over recent days. This surge introduces dry and cool air originating from the northeast.
Many Cebuanos have observed a noticeable drop in temperature due to this monsoon, which typically begins around October and persists until March. While amihan is known for bringing cold weather, it may still result in brief and scattered light rains.
Shear Line Adds to Weather Complexity
In addition to the amihan, a shear line is under close monitoring and could impact Cebu over the weekend. A shear line forms when warm and cold air masses converge, increasing the likelihood of cloud formation and rainfall.
Dumdum indicated that higher chances of rain are expected from Sunday, January 25, into Monday, January 26, with cloudy skies likely prevailing across the province. Eastern Visayas may encounter more significant rainfall, but weather authorities are also keeping a watch on Cebu for possible heavy rains.
Residents are strongly advised to stay updated on weather bulletins, especially given the changing conditions caused by the interaction between the amihan and the shear line. Cooler temperatures will persist throughout the final week of January, despite the possibility of rains. The northeast monsoon continues to shape the weather and is anticipated to gradually weaken over time.
National Weather Outlook and Warnings
Meanwhile, Ada, which has weakened into a low-pressure area east of Mindanao, is expected to remain stationary and is unlikely to develop into a stronger weather system. The shear line and the northeast monsoon are forecast to bring light rains to various parts of the country, as stated by the weather bureau on Saturday.
In its 4 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa detailed that the shear line will result in cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over several areas, including:
- Caraga
- Davao Region
- Eastern Samar
- Leyte
- Southern Leyte
- Camiguin
- Misamis Oriental
Flash floods or landslides may occur in these regions due to moderate to at times heavy rains, Pagasa warned.
Conversely, cloudy skies with light rains will prevail over other areas due to the northeast monsoon, such as:
- Cagayan Valley
- Bicol Region
- Western Visayas
- The rest of Eastern Visayas
- The rest of Northern Mindanao
- Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao
- Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro
The amihan will also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains over Metro Manila and the remainder of the country.
Maritime Conditions and Safety Advisories
Strong to gale winds and rough to very rough seas are anticipated over the eastern sections of the Visayas and Mindanao. Pagasa has cautioned that sea travel is risky for small seacraft, including all motor bancas of any type or tonnage, in these areas. Mariners operating such vessels are advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor.
The rest of the archipelago will experience moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas, highlighting the widespread impact of these weather systems.
