Cold and dry winds have begun to lower temperatures in the northern tip of Luzon in the last few days, as the high-pressure system over Siberia has strengthened, indicating the start of the Amihan, PAGASA said in a statement.

PAGASA weather forecaster Christ Perez said the agency has yet to predict or determine the exact date when the Amihan will reach Metro Manila.

Amihan, which usually lasts until mid-February and sometimes until early March, may bring light rain. It can also weaken storms to the north because they use warm and moist air as fuel, Perez added.

On Thursday, the northernmost provinces of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Apayao and Cagayan will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to northeasterly wind flow, said PAGASA.

The agency also added that localized thunderstorms may dampen Metro Manila and the rest of the country. (Marian Andre Sinamban/IAMIGO/CNS)