Hot days, rainy afternoons to persist nationwide — PAGASA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 18, 2026 10:20 am

At A Glance

• Despite the increasing occurrence of thunderstorms, hot weather remains the dominant condition in most parts of the country.

Scorching and humid conditions will continue across most of the country this week, although more areas may experience isolated afternoon or evening thunderstorms that could bring sudden heavy rains, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, May 18.

PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect Southern Mindanao, while easterlies prevail over the Visayas and the rest of Mindanao.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms are affecting Luzon as daytime heat causes rain clouds to form.

The ITCZ is bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen, where moderate to, at times, heavy rains may trigger flash floods or landslides.

Aurelio said the ITCZ is expected to continue affecting Mindanao until Tuesday, May 19, before gradually moving away from the country by Wednesday, May 20.

By then, easterlies, or warm and humid winds from the Pacific Ocean, are expected to become the dominant weather system nationwide.

Despite the increasing occurrence of thunderstorms, Aurelio said hot weather remains the dominant condition in most parts of the country.

“Asahan ang maganda at maaliwalas na panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng bansa pero mataas ang chance na magkaroon ng thunderstorm sa hapon o sa gabi na kung saan nagdadala ito ng biglaang buhos na ulan (Generally fair weather is expected in most parts of the country, but there remains a high chance of afternoon or evening thunderstorms that may bring sudden downpours),” Aurelio said.

High heat index levels continued to be recorded nationwide on Sunday, May 17, with Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Baler, Aurora; Sangley Point, Cavite; and Cuyo, Palawan all reaching 45 degrees Celsius.

In Metro Manila, the heat index ranged from 40 to 43 degrees Celsius.

For Monday, PAGASA forecast a heat index of up to 45 degrees Celsius in Coron and Cuyo in Palawan, as well as San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Metro Manila may experience heat index levels ranging from 40 to 42 degrees Celsius.

PAGASA classifies heat index values between 42 and 51 degrees Celsius under the “danger” category, as prolonged exposure may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Aurelio added that there is no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone being monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Monday.