What is the name of the prevailing northeast wind in the Philippines?

• A. Habagat
• B. Monsoon W
• C. Amihan
• D. Trade wind

Answer: (C)

Amihan is the prevailing northeast wind in the Philippines, signaling the northeast monsoon that brings cooler, dry air during the cool, dry season. It blows from the northeast toward the southwest, typically from November through April, and comes from high-pressure areas over Siberia. This wind pattern helps define the climate for that part of the year and influences how buildings are oriented and ventilated to take advantage of steady, cool airflow. In contrast, Habagat is the southwest monsoon bringing warm, moist air and rains in the wet season (roughly May to October). Terms like Monsoon W aren’t standard local labels, and Trade winds refer to a broader global wind system rather than the season-specific Philippine wind. So, the name for the prevailing northeast wind is Amihan.