MANILA – Temperature in Metro Manila dropped to 18.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The temperature was recorded at 6:30 a.m. It, however, rose to 30 degrees Celsius by 1:50 p.m.

The onset of the amihan season, or the northeast monsoon that prevails over the eastern part of the Philippines, was declared on October 24.

The lowest temperature so far this month was recorded in La Trinidad in Benguet at 6.3 degrees Celsius last Feb. 3. Temperature in Baguio City also dropped to 10.6 degrees Celsius last Feb. 1.

Tuesday's temperature is the lowest recorded in Metro Manila since January.

The amihan season is associated with cold and dry winds, as well as light rains. During this time, storms heading north, fueled by warm and moist air, are often weakened because of the cooler weather.