'Habagat' could return this weekend, bring scattered rains to parts of S Luzon, VisMin

Rest of the country may experience localized thunderstorms

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 18, 2026 12:47 pm |

At A Glance

• In its weekly weather outlook, PAGASA said scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro until Tuesday, Sept. 22
• The habagat may weaken again starting Wednesday, Sept. 23
• The rest of the country may experience localized thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening

PAGASA

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” is expected to affect parts of the country anew starting this Saturday, Sept. 19, as the low-pressure area (LPA) west of Palawan may dissipate, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto on Friday, Sept. 18, said the LPA may dissipate within the next 24 hours once it reaches the West Philippine Sea.

As of 8 a.m. Friday, LPA 09f was located 140 kilometers south of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan.

As the LPA is expected to dissipate, the southwest monsoon will likely prevail over the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao from Saturday to Tuesday, Sept. 22.

In its weekly weather outlook, PAGASA said scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro until Tuesday.

The rest of the country may have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA said the habagat may weaken again starting Wednesday, Sept. 23.

From Wednesday to Friday, Sept. 25, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected across the country, although isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in the afternoon and evening.

Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Dujuan was located 2,365 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon as of 8 a.m. Friday.

Dujuan, which is moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour, is no longer expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility or affect any part of the country, Loreto said.

Over 46,000 people remain in evacuation centers due to 'habagat', cyclones — DSWD

 A total of 10,442,307 people or 2,981,477 families were affected by weather disturbances

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 13, 2026 01:45 pm

At A Glance

• DSWD said the weather disturbances and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) affected 6,923 barangays across the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, II, III, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, V, VI, VIII, and IX.
• DSWD has so far spent ₱2.54 billion for humanitarian assistance.

DSWD

More than 46,000 people displaced by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and several tropical cyclones were still staying in evacuation centers as of Sunday morning, Sept. 13.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 46,424 persons or 13,166 families remained in 570 evacuation centers across affected areas.

Another 76,540 displaced persons or 20,956 families were staying outside evacuation centers with relatives or friends.

DSWD said the weather disturbances and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) affected 6,923 barangays across the National Capital Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, II, III, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, V, VI, VIII, and IX.

A total of 10,442,307 people or 2,981,477 families were affected.

DSWD has so far spent ₱2.54 billion for humanitarian assistance, while ₱3.54 billion in relief resources remains available, including ₱239.55 million in quick response funds and ₱3.30 billion worth of food and non-food items.

The agency also reported 610 totally damaged houses and 3,965 partially damaged houses.

As of 6 a.m. Sunday, DSWD had provided social protection services to 739 beneficiaries, while 31 women-friendly spaces, 210 psychological first-aid interventions, and 31 child-friendly spaces were reported in the affected areas.

When will the 'habagat' season finally end?

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 6, 2026 10:08 am

At A Glance

• PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the habagat season usually ends by the second week of October, followed by a transition period before the onset of the northeast monsoon or "amihan" season in November.
• He reminded the public to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides while the habagat continues to affect the country.

(Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin)

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” is not going away just yet.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, Sept. 6, that parts of the country could continue to experience monsoon rains for several more weeks.

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina said the habagat season usually ends by the second week of October, followed by a transition period before the onset of the northeast monsoon or “amihan” season in November.

“Sa mga nagtatanong, kailan ba matatapos itong southwest monsoon o habagat? Base po sa mga nakaraang taon, natatapos po yung season po natin ng habagat o yung panahon ng habagat, bandang first half po ng October, either first or second week ng October (For those asking when the southwest monsoon or habagat will end, based on previous years, our habagat season usually ends around the first half of October, either the first or second week of October),” Badrina said.

“Kaya sa mga kababayan po natin, lalong-lalo na nga sa may western section ng Luzon, maging sa may Kabisayaan, ay asahan pa rin po itong patuloy na epekto ng habagat na magdadala ng mga pag-ulan (So our fellow Filipinos, particularly those in the western section of Luzon and the Visayas, should still expect the habagat to continue bringing rain),” Badrina said.

Weather update

Over the next 24 hours, Badrina said heavy rains are expected over Bataan, Zambales, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.

“Malaking bahagi pa rin ng Luzon ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na mga pag-ulan pagkidlat-pagkulog, gayon din sa may western Visayas (A large part of Luzon, as well as Western Visayas, will also continue to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms),” he said.

Meanwhile, tropical cyclone Pilandok, internationally known as Krovahn, is still being monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

“Halos na sa may boundary na po ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility at hindi nga natin inaalis ang posibilidad na muli itong pumasok within the day. Pero kung papasok man ito, posibling lumabas din ito ng Philippine Area of Responsibility within the day (It is already almost at the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and we cannot rule out the possibility that it will reenter within the day. But even if it does enter, it could also leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the day),” Badrina said.

He said Pilandok could continue to enhance the habagat even if it does not directly affect the country.

“Gayunpaman, kahit pumasok o lumabas o hindi man pumasok ng Philippine Area of Responsibility ang bagyong si Krovahn ay inaasahan natin na patuloy itong magpapalakas ng hanging habagat bagamat hindi ito magkakaroon ng direktang epekto sa ating bansa (Nevertheless, whether Krovahn enters, leaves, or does not enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility, we expect it to continue strengthening the habagat, although it will not have a direct effect on the country),” Badrina said.

He reminded the public to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides while the habagat continues to affect the country.

“Patuloy po yung epekto ng habagat, lalo’t ngayong buwan nga ng Setyembre ay inasahan pa rin natin na magkakaroon pa rin po ng epekto ang southwest monsoon (The effects of the habagat will continue, especially since we still expect the southwest monsoon to affect the country this September),” Badrina said.

LPA develops into Tropical Depression 'Kiyapo'

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 23, 2026 10:04 am

The low-pressure area (LPA) east of southeastern Luzon has developed into a tropical depression and was given the local name “Kiyapo,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Wednesday evening, July 22.

PAGASA said Kiyapo developed into a tropical depression at 8 p.m.

As of 10 p.m. Wednesday, Kiyapo was located 1,080 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

It was moving northwestward at 25 kph.

Following its development into a tropical depression, PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Gattaran, Baggao, Peñablanca, Santa Teresita, and Buguey) and the eastern portion of Isabela (Maconacon, San Pablo, Cabagan, Tumauini, Ilagan City, Divilacan, Palanan, San Mariano, and Dinapigue).

PAGASA said Kiyapo is expected to move west-northwestward to northwestward throughout the forecast period.

It may make a close approach to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands by Friday evening, July 24.

However, PAGASA said a landfall over mainland Cagayan cannot be ruled out.

Mayon records highest sulfur dioxide emissions in 26 years

Phivolcs warns of possible explosive activity

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 12, 2026 08:40 am

At A Glance

• In an advisory issued at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, Phivolcs said Mayon's sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 13,128 tons, the highest recorded at the volcano in the last 26 years and only slightly lower than the levels measured during its 2000 explosive eruption.

Mayon Volcano (Phivolcs)

Mayon Volcano sustained its lava effusion on Sunday, July 12, a day after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that record high sulfur dioxide emissions could lead to more explosive volcanic activity.

In an advisory issued at 10:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, Phivolcs said Mayon's sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 13,128 tons, the highest recorded at the volcano in the last 26 years and only slightly lower than the levels measured during its 2000 explosive eruption.

“This abrupt rise has been accompanied by an increase in the occurrence of low frequency volcanic earthquakes or LFVQs that are attributed to volcanic degassing and minor strombolian activity at the crater, and increased rockfall linked to collapses from new lava flows,” Phivolcs said.

A strombolian activity refers to short explosive bursts that eject glowing volcanic material and produce brief lava fountains.

In its latest monitoring bulletin issued Sunday, Phivolcs recorded 125 volcanic earthquakes and 344 rockfall events during the past 24 hours.

While the volcano's overall activity remains consistent with its ongoing lava effusion, Phivolcs said the elevated sulfur dioxide emissions could lead to more explosive eruptive activity.

“Elevated volcanic SO2 emissions could forewarn of further or even a potential shift to explosive eruptive activity at the summit crater that could generate volcanic hazards all around the volcano, the impacts of which can be worsened by the prevailing poor weather conditions,” the agency said.

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, which means “intensified unrest” or “magmatic unrest.”

Phivolcs reminded the public not to enter the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.

It urged communities within areas identified as vulnerable to pyroclastic density currents to remain prepared should volcanic activity escalate.

It also advised vigilance against lahars and sediment laden streamflows during periods of sustained heavy rainfall.

Pilots are also warned against flying close to the volcano's summit due to possible ash emissions and ballistic fragments.

LPA may develop into a tropical cyclone as it moves toward West Philippine Sea — PAGASA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 29, 2026 10:01 am | Updated Jun 29, 2026 02:16 pm

At A Glance

• PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA is expected to pass through the Southern Luzon-Visayas area on Tuesday, June 30, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday, July 1.
• If it develops into a storm within the Philippine area of responsibility, it will be given the name "Henry."

PAGASA

A low-pressure area (LPA) east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, June 29.

As of 8 a.m., the LPA was located 390 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

PAGASA weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the weather disturbance is expected to pass through the Southern Luzon-Visayas area on Tuesday, June 30, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday, July 1.

Once over the West Philippine Sea, the LPA will have a high chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone, Aurelio said.

If it develops into a storm within the Philippine area of responsibility, it will be given the name “Henry.”

The LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over the Visayas, Bicol Region, Caraga, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.

Meanwhile, Aurelio said the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” has weakened as of Monday and is currently affecting only the western section of Southern Luzon.

However, it is expected to affect parts of Mindanao again on Tuesday as the potential cyclone enhances the habagat.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, PAGASA said.

Aurelio advised the public to stay alert for possible flooding and landslides in areas affected by prolonged or heavy rainfall.

'Francisco' out; 'Gardo' in

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 25, 2026 10:26 pm

PAGASA

Severe Tropical Storm Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), while Tropical Storm Gardo (international name: Higos) entered the country’s monitoring area, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Thursday, June 25.

In its 8 p.m. bulletin, PAGASA said Francisco was last located 665 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

All tropical cyclone wind signals associated with the storm have been lifted.

Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Gardo entered the PAR on Thursday afternoon and was estimated at 1,295 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon.

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gusts of up to 105 kph, and was moving northwestward at 45 kph.

PAGASA said Gardo is expected to remain far from the Philippine landmass throughout the forecast period.

“It is forecast to move north-northwestward to northward until it exits the PAR by Friday morning or afternoon (June 26),” the agency said.

Once outside the PAR, Gardo is expected to turn generally northeastward toward southern Japan.

It is forecast to remain a tropical storm, although slight intensification into a severe tropical storm is not ruled out.

Over the next 24 hours, PAGASA said the trough or extension of Francisco may continue to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over Batanes and the Babuyan Islands.

The southwest monsoon or “habagat” may also bring occasional moderate to heavy rains over Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Scattered habagat rains and thunderstorms are likewise expected over Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, the rest of Cagayan Valley, the rest of Central Luzon, and the rest of Mimaropa.

The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

PAGASA warns of widespread 'habagat' rains as potential typhoon nears PAR

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 19, 2026 06:16 pm

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz-Galicia said the tropical depression was not directly affecting any part of the country as of Friday.

However, she said there is a high chance the cyclone will enhance the habagat once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this weekend.

Satellite image of a tropical depression outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAGASA)

Satellite image of a tropical depression outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAGASA)

A tropical depression east of the Philippines could enhance the southwest monsoon or “habagat” and bring rains over large parts of the country starting Sunday, June 21, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) (PAGASA) said on Friday, June 19.

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin dela Cruz-Galicia said the weather disturbance was not directly affecting any part of the country as of Friday.

However, she said there is a high chance the cyclone will enhance the habagat once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this weekend.

“Maigting po natin itong mino-monitor dahil once na pumasok po ‘yan sa ating area of responsibility, mataas ang tsansa na magti-trigger o mag-e-enhance po ito ng southwest monsoon o habagat na siya pong magpapaulan sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa by Sunday until early next week (We are closely monitoring it because once it enters our area of responsibility, there is a high chance it will trigger or enhance the southwest monsoon, which may bring rain over a large part of the country from Sunday until early next week),” she said.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, the tropical depression was located 1,735 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

It was moving west-northwestward at 35 kph.

PAGASA said the cyclone could enter PAR by Saturday evening or Sunday morning, June 20 or 21, as a severe tropical storm or a typhoon.

Once inside the PAR, it will be given the local name “Francisco.”

Dela Cruz-Galicia said the cyclone is forecast to remain over the sea throughout its stay within PAR and may reach typhoon strength before approaching the country's landmass.

“Makikita nga po natin na sa entire stay po niya sa ating area of responsibility ay nasa typhoon category po ‘yan (It is expected to remain in the typhoon category throughout its stay within the Philippine Area of Responsibility),” she added.

She also said that while the current forecast shows the cyclone eventually recurving away from the country, PAGASA is not ruling out the possibility of landfall.  

Philippines under monsoon break; afternoon, evening thunderstorms could still bring heavy rains — PAGASA

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 15, 2026 09:42 am

The Philippines remains under a monsoon break, a period when the southwest monsoon or “habagat” has no direct effect on the country, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday, June 15.

But while generally fair weather conditions are expected to prevail, PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez warned that thunderstorms developing later in the day could still bring heavy rains and trigger flash floods or landslides in vulnerable areas.

“Nasa panahon pa rin tayo ng tag-ulan pero ‘yung nararanasan natin ngayon ay ‘yung tinatawag nating monsoon break kung saan walang direktang epekto ang southwest monsoon o habagat sa anumang parte ng ating bansa (We are still in the rainy season, but what we are experiencing now is what we call a monsoon break, wherein the southwest monsoon or habagat has no direct effect on any part of the country),” she said.

Dominguez noted that the easterlies remains the dominant weather system in the country.

“Patuloy pa rin ang pag-iral ng easterlies o ‘yung mainit at maalinsangan na hangin na nanggagaling sa dagat Pasipiko at nakakaapekto sa eastern sections ng Visayas at Mindanao (The easterlies, or warm and humid winds from the Pacific Ocean, continue to affect the eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao),” she said.

She added that no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone has been monitored inside or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Monday morning.

Padre Pio church in Batangas elevated to international shrine status — CBCP

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 4, 2026 12:57 pm

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas is the second Catholic church in the Philippines to receive international shrine status.

The Vatican has elevated the National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, to the status of an international shrine, making it only the second Catholic church in the Philippines to receive the designation, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In a statement on Thursday, June 4, CBCP said the Dicastery for Evangelization issued the decree on May 25, coinciding with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

The designation places the Batangas church among a select group of shrines recognized by the Holy See as sacred places of pilgrimage and worship for the universal Church.

It joins the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City as the only churches in the country to hold international shrine status.

Church officials described the recognition as a historic milestone that is expected to deepen devotion to St. Padre Pio and encourage more pilgrims from the Philippines and abroad to visit the shrine.

“May this historic milestone inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion as we journey together in prayer and thanksgiving,” they said.

Preparations are underway for the formal declaration of the church as an international shrine on Sept. 23, the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

The elevation marks the latest chapter in the growth of the shrine, which was established as a parish in 2003, declared an archdiocesan shrine in 2008, and recognized as a national shrine in 2015.

The Archdiocese of Lipa had earlier expressed its aspiration for the shrine to attain international status.

In the 2024 book “Enlarging the Space of Our Tent,” the archdiocese said the goal reflected its desire to welcome pilgrims from diverse cultures and nationalities and expand its spiritual mission beyond local communities.

The shrine houses several first-class relics of the Italian saint, who was known for bearing the stigmata and for his reported gift of healing.

'Domeng' enters PAR; PAGASA warns of heavy rains from enhanced southwesterly wind flow

 

The cyclone may strengthen the southwesterly winds, leading to prolonged heavy rains over the western section of the country.

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 29, 2026 07:15 am

Tropical Storm Domeng (international name: Jangmi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday, May 29, and is expected to enhance the southwesterly wind flow in the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA said the center of Domeng was estimated at 1,345 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, moving northwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It packed maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

The weather bureau said the cyclone is expected to continue moving generally northwestward until Sunday, May 31, before turning north northwestward to northward.

It is forecast to exit the PAR by Monday, June 1.

PAGASA said Domeng may further intensify and reach typhoon category while remaining over the Philippine Sea before gradually weakening afterward.

Based on its forecast track, the hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signals over Extreme Northern Luzon remains less likely, although not ruled out.

While Domeng is unlikely to make landfall, PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said its trough or extension may still bring cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas and Caraga over the weekend.

The cyclone may also strengthen the southwesterly winds, leading to prolonged heavy rains over the western section of the country.

The southwesterly wind flow, described as the initial surge of the southwest monsoon or “habagat,” is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, and Palawan.

“Doble ingat dahil posible po ito magdala ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa (Exercise double caution as this may bring flooding and landslides),” Loreto warned.

Despite the weather disturbance, PAGASA said warm and humid conditions will persist across most of Luzon.

“Other parts of the country naman po kahit may bagyo po tayo ay magiging mainit pa rin at maalinsangan lalong-lalo na po sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon. So meron pa rin tayong matataas na heat index ngayong araw (In other parts of the country, even with a storm, conditions will still be hot and humid, especially across much of Luzon. High heat index levels are still expected today),” Loreto said.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, although flash floods or landslides remain possible during severe thunderstorms.

Storm trough, southwesterly wind flow drench parts of VisMin, Palawan

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 28, 2026 09:35 am

At A Glance

• The tropical storm with the international name "Jangmi" was located 1,195 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m.
• Once it enters PAR between Thursday evening and Friday morning, the cyclone will be given the local name "Domeng."
• PAGASA said the weather disturbance currently has a low chance of making landfall in the country but may enhance the southwesterly wind flow.

Satellite image (Courtesy of PAGASA)

The trough or extension of a tropical storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and the prevailing southwesterly wind flow continued to bring rains over large parts of the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan on Thursday, May 28, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Over the next 24 hours, PAGASA said cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms may prevail over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Palawan due to the southwesterly wind flow.

The rest of Mindanao may also experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the trough of the tropical storm.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the tropical storm with the international name “Jangmi” was located 1,195 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m.

The weather disturbance was packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph while moving north-northwestward at 20 kph.

Once it enters PAR, the cyclone will be given the local name “Domeng.”

“Base na rin sa track na ipinalabas natin kagabi sa ating tropical cyclone advisory, mabagal ang pagkilos niya over the past few hours. At sa mga susunod na araw ay medyo may kabagalan pa dahil nagko-consolidate pa at lumalakas pa ito at lalo na’t malakas din ang high-pressure area na nakakahadlang sa kanya upang ito ay kumilos pa-northwestward (Based on the track we released last night in our tropical cyclone advisory, its movement has been slow over the past few hours. In the coming days, it may continue moving slowly as it is still consolidating and intensifying, especially with the strong high-pressure area preventing it from moving northwestward),” de la Cruz-Galicia said.

“Pero most likely ay papasok ito ng area of responsibility likely between tonight o bukas ng umaga. Posible pumasok ‘yan as tropical storm or severe tropical storm (But most likely it will enter the area of responsibility between tonight and tomorrow morning. It may enter as a tropical storm or severe tropical storm),” she added.

De la Cruz-Galicia said the cyclone may further intensify while inside the Philippine area of responsibility.

It could reach its peak intensity over the Philippine Sea and become a typhoon before exiting PAR by Monday, June 1, she said.

Despite the projected intensification, PAGASA said the weather disturbance currently has a low chance of making landfall in the country but may enhance the southwesterly wind flow.

“Dahil nakikita natin na mababa ang tsansa na mag-landfall ito sa anumang bahagi ng bansa, ang scenario nito ay ma-eenhance niya ‘yung southwesterly wind flow at ‘yung southwesterly wind flow ang magdudulot ng malawakang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao, pati sa Southern Luzon, lalong-lalo na starting by weekend hanggang early next week (Because we are seeing a low chance of landfall in any part of the country, the scenario is that it may enhance the southwesterly wind flow, which will bring widespread rains over large parts of the Visayas, some parts of Mindanao, and Southern Luzon, especially starting this weekend until early next week),” de la Cruz-Galicia said.

“Ngayon may mga ulan na dulot ng southwesterly wind flow pero inaasahan nating madadagdagan pa ang mga makakaranas ng mga pag-ulan lalong-lalo na by weekend hanggang early next week dahil sa enhanced southwesterly wind flow (There are already rains being experienced due to the southwesterly wind flow, but we expect more areas to experience rainfall, especially by the weekend until early next week because of the enhanced southwesterly wind flow),” she added.

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.

'Caloy' may weaken into a remnant low in the coming hours — PAGASA

 Fair weather to persist; LPA outside PAR unlikely to become cyclone

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 10, 2026 07:33 am

The weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, May 10, with Tropical Storm Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Tropical Storm “Caloy” (international name: Hagupit) is expected to gradually weaken as it continues moving over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, May 10.

PAGASA said the center of Caloy was estimated at 910 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 4 a.m., moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised, as Caloy is unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period.

She said the weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, with Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Despite remaining far from the Philippine landmass, the trough or extension of the weather disturbance may bring rains over Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes by Tuesday, May 12, Torres said.

By Wednesday and Thursday, May 13 and 14, weather conditions in these areas may improve.

Meanwhile, Torres said generally fair weather with isolated afternoon or evening rain showers and thunderstorms is expected across the rest of the country in the next three to five days due to the prevailing easterlies.

PAGASA is also monitoring a new low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which was located 2,705 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of Sunday morning.

Torres said the LPA has a very low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and is not expected to enter PAR.

In its 24-hour sea condition outlook, PAGASA warned of moderate seas over several coastal waters.

Waves of up to 2.5 meters may affect the eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands; the seaboards of Batanes; the western seaboard of Babuyan Islands; and the northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, waves of up to 2 meters may prevail over the remaining seaboards of Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboards of Cagayan, Isabela, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental; and the northern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Northern Samar.

Mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels were advised to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid venturing out to sea.

PAGASA sees slim chance of tropical cyclone developing until early April

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Mar 26, 2026 01:57 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday, March 25 said the likelihood of a tropical cyclone forming inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) remains low through the first week of April.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said fair weather is expected across most parts of the country, which means no prolonged rainfall.

He added that the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will be the dominant weather system in the country until the weekend.

Scattered rains and thunderstorms were expected on Wednesday over Bicol Region, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

The rest of the country were seen to experience clear to partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

On Thursday, March 26, scattered rains and thunderstorms may affect Caraga, Davao Region, and nearby areas, while the rest of the country will have clear to, at times, cloudy skies apart from isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

From Friday to Sunday, March 27 to 29, generally fair weather is expected across the country, with only isolated rain showers or thunderstorms possible in Mindanao and the eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas.

Senior citizens' pension payouts to require National ID starting April 1

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Mar 14, 2026 10:23 am

DSWD PHOTO

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will start using the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), or National ID, as the primary identification for the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens beginning April 1.

Senior citizens who have not yet registered with PhilSys are encouraged to sign up at the nearest office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

To make the process easier for beneficiaries, PhilSys registration will also be conducted during scheduled pension payout activities.

For bedridden senior citizens who are unable to travel, PSA personnel will conduct home visits to facilitate their registration.

The SocPen program provides a monthly stipend of P1,000 to indigent Filipinos aged 60 and above who are frail, sickly, or living with disabilities, and who have no regular income, pension, or financial support from their families.

Under Republic Act No. 11916, or the law increasing the social pension of senior citizens, the monthly stipend for indigent elderly beneficiaries was doubled from P500 to P1,000.

The law lapsed into effect in July 2022, with the increased pension implemented starting January 2024.

Qualified beneficiaries receive their stipend on a quarterly basis.

In 2025, a total of 4,113,050 indigent senior citizens received their social pension from the DSWD, exceeding the original target of 4,085,066 beneficiaries.

PAGASA issues heavy rainfall warning due to shear line

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Feb 19, 2026 10:33 am

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, Feb. 19, issued a heavy rainfall warning as the shear line intensified following a fresh surge of the northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan.”

PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin de la Cruz-Galicia said the shear line, formed by the collision of cold winds from the northeast monsoon and warm winds from the easterlies, is bringing 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall, classified as moderate to heavy, to several areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

On Thursday, moderate to heavy rains are expected over Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

The rest of Caraga and Davao regions, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi may also experience rain showers due to the shear line.

By Friday, Feb. 20, moderate to heavy rainfall may persist over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur.

PAGASA warned of possible localized flooding, especially in urbanized, low-lying, and river-adjacent areas. Landslides are also possible in highly susceptible areas.

Meanwhile, the amihan may bring cloudy skies with light rains over Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, and Quezon over the next 24 hours.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and the Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains due to the amihan.

The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorm activity.

De la Cruz-Galicia said no gale warning is currently in effect, thus small boats and other sea vessels are safe to sail.

She also said no low-pressure area or tropical cyclone is being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of Thursday.