MANILA, Philippines: Scattered light rains and thunderstorms will be experienced in most parts of the country due to the easterlies while a waning northeast monsoon or "amihan" will continue to affect the Batanes and Babuyan Islands, the state-run weather agency said on Friday.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said it has not monitored any tropical cyclone inside or outside the country's area of responsibility in the coming days.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja said the easterlies – winds coming from the east, passing through the Pacific Ocean and carrying warm and humid weather – are affecting Eastern Visayas and Caraga where overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms may prevail.

The same weather system, along with localized thunderstorms, will bringisolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country within the next 24 hours.

The Pagasa forecaster said hot temperatures have started to rise in some leading cities as the dry season is approaching and the effects of the El Niño phenomenon are being felt in some provinces.

He said 21 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius will be experienced over Metro Manila, especially at noon to mid-afternoon; Laoag City, 21 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius; and Tuguegarao City, 22 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius.

Baguio City will still experience"'cool" temperatures that will range from 16 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius, Pagasa said.