Metro Manila, Philippines – The northeast monsoon, or amihan, has officially begun, bringing cooler weather and potentially rough seas to parts of the country in the coming months, the weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday, October 27.

PAGASA said stronger high pressure over east Asia have brought cooler air and stronger northeasterly winds to extreme northern Luzon, signaling the change in weather.

The monsoon is expected to bring lower temperatures and occasional cold surges, while tropical cyclones, shear lines, and a low pressure belt may also affect the weather.

PAGASA said it will continue monitoring conditions as El Niño is expected to intensify before the end of the year.