'Amihan' season is here — PAGASA

 Photo from Pixabay

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 27, 2025 06:24 pm

Time to dust off those jackets as the northeast monsoon, or “amihan,” season officially begins in the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Oct. 27 declared the onset of the amihan season, following the intensification of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has pushed cool northeasterly winds to reach the northern Philippines.

“Over the past few days, observations have indicated the strengthening of a high-pressure area over East Asia, which has caused a surge of northeasterly winds over extreme Northern Luzon,” PAGASA said in its advisory.

The weather bureau added that increasing atmospheric pressure, the cooling of surroundings, and other meteorological conditions “indicate the start of the northeast monsoon season.”

PAGASA said the amihan is expected to become more dominant in most parts of the country, bringing cool and dry air and occasional cold temperature surges.

It also warned that successive monsoon surges over the next two weeks may result in rough sea conditions over the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

The amihan season generally begins in late October or early November and lasts until early March, while the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season typically starts in the latter half of May or early June and persists until October.

Prayer, rest top stress relievers for Filipinos — SWS

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 24, 2025 08:40 am

For many Filipinos, coping with life’s daily pressures begins with a quiet prayer or a much-needed rest.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from Sept. 24 to 30 found that praying or engaging in spiritual activities is the most common way Filipinos deal with stress, cited by 16 percent of 1,500 adult respondents nationwide.

Resting or sleeping ranked second at 14 percent, followed by going out or taking leisure trips at 11 percent.

Other ways of coping included thinking positively (7 percent), focusing on work or school and ignoring problems (6 percent each), spending time with family and exercising or going for a walk (5 percent each), and engaging in leisure or social activities such as playing sports or online games, doing household chores, talking with friends or neighbors, watching television or movies, eating, and singing or listening to music (4 percent each).

A smaller share of respondents said they scroll on social media or drink alcohol (2 percent each), while very few mentioned gardening or farming and smoking cigarettes (1 percent each), crying (0.4 percent), or seeking medical help (0.2 percent).

SWS said women were found to rely on prayer more than men when managing stress.

Twenty percent of women said they turn to prayer or spiritual activities to cope, while men were more inclined to rest (14 percent).

Among female respondents, rest or sleep was the next most common stress reliever (14 percent), followed by thinking positively (7 percent).

Meanwhile, men were more likely to cope by getting rest or sleep (14 percent), followed by going out (13 percent) and praying (12 percent).

SWS also said that prayer was the dominant response in Balance Luzon (19 percent) and Metro Manila (16 percent), while rest and sleep were the top choices in Mindanao (19 percent) and the Visayas (15 percent).

The Third Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 in Metro Manila, 600 in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in the Visayas and Mindanao.

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Feeling stressed? You're not alone, survey shows more Filipinos do

 By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Oct 9, 2025 08:44 pm

Photo from Pixabay

As the world observes World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, a nationwide survey shows that more Filipinos are living under daily stress as they cope with financial, health, work, and family pressures.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) Third Quarter 2025 survey found that 34 percent of adult Filipinos experience stress “frequently” in their daily lives, up from 27 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019, just before the pandemic.

Another 32 percent said they “sometimes” feel stressed (down from 37 percent in 2019), 30 percent “rarely” (down from 34 percent), and 4 percent “never” experience stress (roughly unchanged from 2 percent).

The survey also examined the magnitude of stress related to specific aspects of daily life.

Financial concerns ranked highest, with 53 percent of respondents reporting “big” stress (very big or somewhat big).

Health-related issues affected 42 percent of adults, 39 percent reported stress from work or school, and 38 percent experienced stress from family matters.

Metro Manila reports highest stress levels

SWS found that 50 percent of adults in Metro Manila said they experience stress frequently, the highest among all regions.

This was followed by Balance Luzon (36 percent), Mindanao (28 percent), and the Visayas (26 percent).

Compared to fourth quarter 2019, the share of adults experiencing frequent stress rose sharply in Metro Manila, up 15 points from 35 percent.

It also increased in Balance Luzon by eight points (from 28 percent) and in Mindanao by 10 points (from 18 percent).

The Visayas saw little change, remaining at 28 percent.

For those who experience stress sometimes, Balance Luzon had the highest share at 34 percent, down from 38 percent in fourth quarter 2019.

It was followed by Mindanao with 32 percent (down from 41 percent), the Visayas with 31 percent (up from 29 percent), and Metro Manila with 27 percent (down from 38 percent).

Those who rarely experience stress were most common in the Visayas and Mindanao, with 37 percent each (down from 41 percent and 36 percent, respectively).

Balance Luzon had 27 percent (down from 33 percent), and Metro Manila 19 percent (down from 25 percent).

Meanwhile, the share of adults who never experience stress was highest in the Visayas at 6 percent (up from 2 percent), followed by Balance Luzon at 4 percent (up from 2 percent), while Metro Manila and Mindanao recorded 3 percent each, remaining largely unchanged from 2 percent and 4 percent, respectively.

Women report higher stress than men

The survey also found that women are more likely to experience stress frequently than men.

About 41 percent of women reported feeling stressed daily, compared to 27 percent of men.

Since fourth quarter of 2019, the share of women reporting frequent stress increased by eight points, while it rose by seven points for men.

Women also reported higher levels of stress across all major areas, including finances, health, work or school, and family responsibilities.

On financial matters, 57 percent of women reported experiencing big stress (24 percent very big, 34 percent somewhat big), compared to 48 percent of men (18 percent very big, 30 percent somewhat big).

Regarding health-related stress, 46 percent of women considered it big (18 percent very big, 29 percent somewhat big), versus 38 percent of men (12 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big).

In terms of family-related stress, 44 percent of women reported big stress (16 percent very big, 28 percent somewhat big), compared to 32 percent of men (12 percent very big, 20 percent somewhat big).

For stress from work or school, 40 percent of women considered it big (14 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big), slightly higher than 38 percent of men (12 percent very big, 26 percent somewhat big).

The Third Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey was conducted from Sept. 24 to 30, through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide, aged 18 and above.

The sample included 300 respondents in Metro Manila, 600 in Balance Luzon (Luzon outside Metro Manila), and 300 each in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The survey has a sampling error margin of ±3 percent for national percentages, ±4 percent for Balance Luzon, and ±6 percent for each of the other regions.

PAGASA: Up to four cyclones may form or enter PAR in October

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 28, 2025 09:30 am

PAGASA

Two to four tropical cyclones may enter or form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in October, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The cyclones that may develop next month will be given the names Paolo, Quedan, Ramil, and Salome.

Based on climatological records, cyclones in October usually follow one of four historical paths.

Some form in the western Pacific, enter PAR, and recurve toward the northeastern section without making landfall before moving on to Japan or Korea.

Others make landfall in Northern or Central Luzon and continue northwest toward Hong Kong or China.

Some traverse Central or Southern Luzon on their way to Vietnam, while others cross the Visayas before also heading toward Vietnam.

PAGASA: Moon to turn blood red for 1 hour 22 minutes during September 8 eclipse

 

A total lunar eclipse will cast a deep red glow over the Moon in the early hours of September 8, 2025, as seen from across the Philippines. The celestial event will reach maximum eclipse at 2:12 a.m. (PAGASA)

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Sep 1, 2025 01:12 pm

A total lunar eclipse will be visible across the Philippines in the early hours of Sept. 8, with the Moon expected to glow a deep red for about one hour and 22 minutes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

The event will begin late on Sept. 7 at 11:27 p.m., when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbral shadow. The partial eclipse phase starts at 12:27 a.m. on Sept. 8, gradually darkening the Moon.

Totality, which is the period when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s umbra and appears blood red, will last from 1:30 a.m. to 2:53 a.m. It spans one hour, 22 minutes, and 54 seconds.

The maximum eclipse will occur at 2:12 a.m.

PAGASA said the astronomical event will conclude at 4:57 a.m. when the Moon completely exits Earth’s penumbral shadow.

PAGASA’s Astronomical Observation and Time Service Unit chief Mario Raymundo explained that the reddish tint is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere, which casts a red glow on the Moon’s surface during the eclipse.

“This total lunar eclipse will last approximately one hour and 22 minutes, which is quite long for this type of event,” Raymundo said in an interview.

He added that the longest total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines lasted one hour and 40 minutes, recorded in 1953.

Raymundo described the chances of clearly seeing this month’s eclipse as somewhat “suntok sa buwan” (a long shot), since it coincides with the southwest monsoon or “habagat” season, which often brings cloudy skies and rain.

Still, weather permitting, the total lunar eclipse will be visible across most parts of the country.

Unlike solar eclipses, total lunar eclipses are safe to watch without special equipment. While binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view, they are not necessary.

The public is encouraged to find a dark area with a clear view of the sky to fully appreciate the celestial event.

Raymundo added that PAGASA will open its Astronomical Observatory in Quezon City to the public for eclipse viewing on the evening of Sept. 7.

The next total lunar eclipse visible from the Philippines is expected on March 3, 2026.

LPA enters PAR, may bring rains in coming days — PAGASA

 

A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Monday evening, Aug. 4, and may bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas in the coming days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Aug 5, 2025 09:12 am

PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the LPA was located 895 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon as of 3 a.m.

She added that the weather disturbance has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

Dominguez said two possible scenarios are being monitored. Either the LPA will make a close approach to Luzon before veering northwest and moving away from the country, or it will cross the Luzon landmass.

“Anumang scenario ang mangyari dito ay inaasahan natin magdadala pa rin ng mga pag-ulan itong LPA sa Luzon at Eastern Visayas (Whichever scenario occurs, we still expect the LPA to bring rains over parts of Luzon and Eastern Visayas),” she said, adding that rains are expected in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a monsoon break persists, as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” has little to no effect on most of the country.

For the next 24 hours, generally fair weather is expected, although localized thunderstorms remain possible, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

PAGASA still advised the public to remain alert for possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

LPA outside northern boundary of PAR may develop into tropical cyclone — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 31, 2025 05:50 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, July 31 said a low-pressure area (LPA) just outside the northern boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

PAGASA weather specialist Leanne Loreto said the LPA was first monitored on Thursday morning.

As of 4 p.m., the weather disturbance was located 955 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.

Although it is not expected to directly affect the country at present, Loreto said the weather system may briefly enter the PAR before moving out again.

If the LPA intensifies into a tropical cyclone within the PAR, it will be named “Fabian.”

Loreto also noted that based on historical data, two to three tropical cyclones enter or form within the PAR during August.

Meanwhile, cloud clusters east of Mindanao are being closely monitored for potential development into a tropical cyclone.

The southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to affect Central and Northern Luzon but is expected to gradually weaken in the coming days, bringing improved weather conditions.

In the next 24 hours, Loreto said residents of Ilocos Region, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pampanga can expect cloudy skies with scattered monsoon rains and thunderstorms, accompanied by moderate to occasionally heavy rains that could trigger flash floods or landslides.

Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and Visayas will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the habagat, while Mindanao will have similar conditions brought by localized thunderstorms.

Cyclone-enhanced 'habagat' rainfall makes up a third of total rain during Philippines' southwest monsoon season — study

 (SANTI SAN JUAN/MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 18, 2025 03:28 pm

While the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” remains the main source of rain from July to September, scientists say the “indirect” effect of distant tropical cyclones accounts for about a third of total rainfall during this season.

Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU); Manila Observatory; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; and Japanese partner institutions analyzed 62 years of weather data and found that tropical cyclones hundreds of kilometers away can strengthen the habagat, resulting in heavy rains, even without making landfall.

On average, 33.1 percent of rainfall during the habagat season is attributed to this “indirect” effect, more than twice the 15.4 percent caused by tropical cyclones that directly hit the country.

The remaining 51.5 percent comes from the monsoon itself, without tropical cyclone influence.

Cyclone origin matters

The study pointed out that the cyclone’s genesis point, or location where a tropical cyclone forms, also affects its potential to enhance rainfall.

Tropical cyclones that form farther from the Philippines tend to move northeast of Luzon, where they more effectively intensify monsoon winds.

In contrast, cyclones that form closer often take a shorter westward track and have a weaker effect.

“During the peak months of the southwest monsoon season, from July to September, the prevailing winds over the Philippines are from the southwest. In itself, these moisture-laden southwesterly winds can still produce isolated rainfall events over land,” explained Dr. Lyndon Mark Olaguera, assistant professor at AdMU’s Department of Physics and climate scientist at the Manila Observatory.

“When a tropical cyclone passes to the northeast of the Philippines, these southwesterly winds intensify since the tropical cyclone can pull these winds as a result of its counterclockwise circulation. Stronger southwesterly winds usually mean more intense rainfall over land,” he said.

Most at risk

The researchers cited Typhoon Gaemi (locally known as Super Typhoon Carina) in July 2024 as an example of a tropical cyclone that stayed well away from the Philippine landmass but significantly enhanced the habagat.

During that event, Quezon City received nearly a month’s worth of rain within 24 hours, resulting in floods that killed 48 people and caused over P8 billion in damages.

Olaguera said the western coast of Luzon is particularly vulnerable to indirect cyclone rains.

“This is because winds from the enhanced southwest monsoon are from the southwest; therefore, the western coast is the region that gets affected the most,” he explained.

“Additionally, the high mountains near the western coast of Luzon, like the Cordillera Mountains and the Zambales mountain range, force these moist, southwesterly winds upwards as they flow over the mountains. When these winds are forced upwards, they cool and condense, thus producing rainfall,” he said.

Forecasting challenges

While direct landfalling cyclones remain deadlier, Olaguera emphasized the need to pay closer attention to the impacts of cyclone-enhanced monsoon events.

“More importance should be given to tropical cyclones that enhance the southwest monsoon since the rainfall experienced during these indirect events is comparable to the rainfall experienced during direct tropical cyclone events,” he said.

He noted that indirect effects are harder to predict, as not all distant cyclones enhance the monsoon enough to cause extreme rainfall.

“More research should be done in order to increase the forecast accuracy of these enhanced southwest monsoon events,” he added.

Recommendations

To improve early warning systems, Olaguera recommended expanding the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) westward and northward to include more tropical cyclones that can affect the country’s weather even from afar.

“Extending the northern border to 30°N will include regions where tropical cyclones are still able to produce rainfall over the Philippines. An example is Typhoon Haikui (2012), since it produced extreme rainfall over the Philippines despite being around the latitudes of 26-28°N,” he said.

He also cited Typhoon Danas (2025), which briefly exited the PAR but still caused rainfall over Luzon while located outside the current monitoring zone.

He also recommended the monitoring of moisture flows originating from as far as west, such as the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal, which could help in the forecasting of enhanced southwest monsoon events.

PAGASA: Brace for strong winds, heavy rains due to 'Crising', 'habagat'

 

SATELLITE IMAGE OF TROPICAL DEPRESSION CRISING (PAGASA)

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 16, 2025 06:32 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Wednesday, July 16, that tropical depression “Crising” may bring strong winds and heavy rains as it moves closer to Northern Luzon, while the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to affect large parts of the country.

As of 5 p.m., Crising was spotted 625 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving west-southwestward at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph.

PAGASA said Crising is expected to move generally westward over the next 12 hours before shifting northwestward by Thursday afternoon, July 17.

It may either pass close to or make landfall over mainland Cagayan or the Babuyan Islands between Friday evening, July 18, and early Saturday morning, July 19.

In a press conference on Wednesday, PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando warned the public not to dismiss the potential impacts of Crising.

“While Crising may not be a strong typhoon, we must not underestimate the hazards it may bring, especially the combined effects of the tropical cyclone with the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat,” Servando said.

“Pinapayuhan natin ang ating mga kababayan na maging alerto dahil ang bagyong ito ay posibleng magbibigay ng mga malalakas na mga pag-ulan—moderate to heavy rains—na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha sa mga mababang lugar at landslides sa mga bulubunduking lugar. Even in areas that are not directly in the path of the tropical depression Crising ay maaari pa ring maapektuhan dahil sa epekto ng enhanced southwest monsoon (We advise our fellow Filipinos to stay alert, as this storm may bring moderate to heavy rains, which could result in flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions. Even areas not directly in the path of tropical depression Crising may still be affected due to the influence of the enhanced southwest monsoon),” he added.

Servando advised the public to stay alert and closely monitor official bulletins and advisories to be issued by PAGASA.

The weather bureau also said Crising is likely to intensify into a tropical storm by Thursday morning and may strengthen further into a severe tropical storm by Friday afternoon or evening.

Intensification to typhoon status prior to its approach to Northern Luzon is also possible.

Wind signals

PAGASA said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over portions of Cagayan Valley as early as Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

If Crising maintains its current westward movement or increases its radius, Signal No. 1 may also be raised over Catanduanes.

The highest wind signals that could be raised during Crising’s passage are Signal No. 3 or 4, depending on its development and proximity to land.

Rainfall, wind forecasts

Heavy rainfall associated with tropical depression Crising, combined with the habagat, is expected to bring widespread rain and possible flooding in affected areas.

From Wednesday to Thursday, moderate to heavy (50-100 mm) rainfall is forecast over Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Cebu, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, heavy to intense (100-200 mm) rainfall may affect Catanduanes, Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and Negros Occidental.

Moderate to heavy rainfall may persist in Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Oriental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

From Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon, heavy to intense precipitation may prevail over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Antique.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains may continue to affect Isabela, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Metro Manila, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

PAGASA warned that rainfall could be heavier in mountainous and elevated areas, and antecedent rainfall in some areas may worsen the impacts.

PAGASA also warned that strong to gale-force winds from the habagat will affect several areas over the coming days.

Gusty conditions are expected in Palawan, Siquijor, Bohol, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands on Wednesday; expanding to Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental on Thursday; and further reaching Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, Mimaropa, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and nearby areas on Friday.

Sea conditions

Coastal waters are expected to experience rough seas, with waves reaching up to 2.5 meters along the western seaboard of Palawan, northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes, and other areas including Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, and Davao Region.

Moderate seas up to 2 meters are forecast in parts of Occidental Mindoro, Antique, Negros Occidental, and Northern and Eastern Samar.

Mariners of small vessels are advised to exercise caution or avoid venturing out to sea.

PAGASA said Crising is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday afternoon or evening.

PAGASA: LPA, 'habagat' to drench most of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jul 3, 2025 06:46 am

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Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in several areas over the coming days due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) east of Northern Luzon and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat), said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday, July 3.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 125 kilometers east-northeast of Aparri, Cagayan, moving northwestward. 

While the probability of its development into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours has decreased from high to moderate, PAGASA weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said the weather disturbance may still intensify in the coming days.

Should it develop into a tropical depression while inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), it will be given the local name “Bising.”

Dominguez said the LPA is expected to approach extreme Northern Luzon and bring scattered rains, particularly over Batanes and Babuyan Islands.

Meanwhile, the habagat continues to affect Central and Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, and parts of Mindanao.

In its Weather Advisory No. 5 issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA reported that moderate to heavy rainfall (50–100 mm) is expected on Thursday over Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, and Ilocos Norte due to the LPA.

Rainfall is forecast to persist through Saturday, with rainfall forecasts of up to 100 mm on Friday, July 4, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Ilocos Norte, and Abra, and on Saturday, July 5, over Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.

The habagat is also expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday.

Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience scattered rains and thunderstorms, while the rest of the country can expect isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

By Friday, heavier monsoon rains of up to 200 mm (intense) are forecast for Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas may receive 50–100 mm of rainfall.

On Saturday, continued habagat rains are expected over Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro.

PAGASA warned that rainfall could be more intense in mountainous or elevated areas, and that persistent rains over the past few days may increase the risk of flooding and landslides.

Residents, local governments, and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, especially in flood- and landslide-prone areas.

Dominguez also noted that a tropical storm with the international name “Mun” remains outside PAR, approximately 2,500 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. 

She said the weather disturbance poses no direct threat to the country.

Rainy first day of classes in parts of the Philippines

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published Jun 15, 2025 09:49 am

Students returning to school on Monday, June 16, are advised to bring umbrellas and rain gear as parts of the country are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

PAGASA weather specialist Obet Badrina on Sunday, June 15 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to affect parts of Mindanao and Eastern Visayas, bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to these areas.

However, he noted that rainfall may gradually lessen in the coming days.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, resulting in the formation of rain clouds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will be affected by easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, which are expected to bring generally fair weather conditions.

Badrina added that skies will be mostly clear due to the temporary weakening of the southwest monsoon (habagat), but isolated thunderstorms remain likely.

He also noted that no tropical cyclone is expected to form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next few days.

Despite the fair weather in some areas, Badrina advised students and commuters to remain prepared, as localized thunderstorms may still bring rain showers, particularly in the early morning, afternoon, and evening, in various parts of the country.

'Habagat' is back; rainy season may be declared soon — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 30, 2025 05:59 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has confirmed the return of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” as of Friday, May 30.

The weather bureau said this development may lead to the official start of the rainy season within the next two weeks.

“Recent weather analysis over the past several days has shown the persistence of low-level southwesterly winds over the western section of Luzon and the frontal system over extreme Northern Luzon. With the weakening of the easterlies, these developments indicate the beginning of the southwest monsoon (habagat) in the Philippines—one of the precursors of the onset of the rainy season,” PAGASA said in a statement.

The start of the rainy season is declared when the southwest monsoon becomes the dominant wind pattern and at least 25 mm of rain is recorded for five consecutive days in at least seven monitoring stations in western Luzon.

The agency added that as the habagat becomes more dominant, occasional to frequent rains and thunderstorms are expected, especially over the western parts of the country.

It also noted that while the rainy season may be declared soon, periods of “monsoon breaks” or temporary pauses in rainfall activity may still occur.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant as increased rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in the coming weeks.

Heavy rainfall to continue across Mindanao this weekend — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 23, 2025 09:44 am

A heavy rainfall warning remains in effect over several provinces in Mindanao as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to continue to bring widespread rain, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, May 23.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, forming rain-bearing clouds that bring prolonged rainfall.

On Friday, heavy rains are expected in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

By Saturday, May 24, heavy rains may persist in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.

PAGASA warned that the sustained rainfall may cause localized flooding, particularly in low-lying, urban, and river-adjacent areas. 

Landslides are also possible in mountainous and high-risk areas.

Rainfall may be heavier in elevated areas, and impacts could worsen in places that have already seen significant rain in the past few days, PAGASA said.

Residents are advised to stay alert and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices. 

Authorities urged the public to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country may continue to experience warm and humid conditions. 

Batanes and Babuyan Islands will experience partly cloudy skies due to the ridge of a high pressure area.

he easterlies will continue bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies in the morning with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening across the rest of the country.

Volcanic unrest continues as Kanlaon erupts anew

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 13, 2025 07:51 am

A moderately explosive eruption occurred at Kanlaon Volcano early Tuesday, May 13, lasting five minutes and sending a towering ash plume 4.5 kilometers into the sky, reported the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

This is the fourth eruption of Kanlaon since June 3 and Dec. 9, 2024, and April 8, 2025.

Phivolcs said the eruption began at 2:55 a.m. and generated a “voluminous” grayish ash plume that drifted southwest. 

Rumbling sounds were also heard in Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City, and in La Castellana, Negros Occidental. 

Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the southern slopes, reaching up to two kilometers from the crater, while large volcanic fragments were hurled within a few hundred meters of the summit, igniting nearby vegetation.

“Thin” ashfall was reported in parts of Negros Occidental, including Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al in La Carlota City; Ilijan and Binubuhan in Bago City; and Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Mansalanao in La Castellana.

Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon, indicating ongoing magmatic unrest and an increased chance of further “short-lived moderately explosive eruptions.”

Residents within a six-kilometer radius of the crater are advised to remain evacuated due to the risk of pyroclastic flows, ashfall, and volcanic debris.

Local authorities are also urged to prepare for possible evacuation should the volcanic activity escalate.

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to take protective measures against ash inhalation, particularly vulnerable groups, including the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory conditions, who should exercise extra caution.

Phivolcs also warned of the potential for lahars during heavy rainfall.

LPA, ITCZ to bring scattered rains to Mindanao, Palawan

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 28, 2025 08:25 AM 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, April 28 said Mindanao and Palawan may experience scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the combined effects of the low pressure area (LPA) and Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).

PAGASA weather specialist Daniel James Villamil said that while the LPA has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, the possibility of it developing into a tropical depression in the coming days is not ruled out.

The first cyclone of 2025 will be named “Auring,” based on PAGASA’s list of tropical cyclone names.

As of 3 a.m., the LPA was located 695 kilometers east of General Santos City, embedded within the ITCZ.

Within 24 hours, the LPA is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms to Davao Region and Soccksargen, and other parts of Mindanao and Palawan due to the ITCZ.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge and form rain-bearing clouds.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid conditions due to the easterlies, which are warm winds from the Pacific Ocean. 

From Tuesday to Wednesday, April 29 to 30, Villamil said scattered rains and thunderstorms may persist over parts of Mindanao and Palawan due to the ITCZ.

Hot conditions, along with isolated showers or thunderstorms, may prevail over the rest of the country.

From Thursday to Friday, May 1 to 2, Villamil said the combined effects of the LPA and ITCZ will bring rainy conditions to parts of Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao, while the easterlies will continue to bring hot weather with isolated showers or thunderstorms over the rest of Luzon. 

26 areas may experience 42°C or higher heat index on April 25

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 25, 2025 09:43 AM 

Heat index map (PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that 26 areas across the country could record heat indices of 42 degrees Celsius (°C) to 45°C, which fall under the “danger” category for heat-related illnesses, on Friday, April 25.

Based on PAGASA’s forecast, Dagupan City in Pangasinan may register the highest heat index at 45 degrees Celsius (°C).

A heat index of 44°C may also be felt in Iba, Zambales; Tanauan, Batangas; and Coron, Palawan. 

Meanwhile, a 43°C may be recorded in Bacnotan, La Union; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Cuyo, Palawan; Masbate City, Masbate; Pili, Camarines Sur; and Dumangas, Iloilo.

Areas that could experience a 42°C heat index include Echague, Isabela; Baler, Aurora; Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Olongapo City, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Cavite City, Cavite; Infanta, Quezon; Legazpi City, Albay; Roxas City, Capiz; Mambusao, Capiz; Iloilo City, Iloilo; and La Carlota, Negros Occidental.

PAGASA classifies heat indices between 42°C and 51°C as dangerous.

At this level, people are at increased risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, while prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, especially among vulnerable populations. 

Moreover, PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The rest of Mindanao may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions will persist in Luzon and Visayas due to the easterlies, although localized thunderstorms remain possible.

As of Friday, Castañeda said PAGASA has not monitored any low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones inside the country’s area of responsibility.

Heat index in Metro Manila, 17 other areas could hit ‘danger’ levels on April 16

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 16, 2025 10:14 AM 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that 18 areas, including Pasay City in Metro Manila, could experience a heat index reaching the “danger” threshold of 42 degrees Celsius (°C) or higher on Wednesday, April 16.

Based on its forecast, PAGASA said Los Baños, Laguna may record the highest heat index of the day at 50°C, after also registering the highest heat index on April 15.

Other areas that could experience heat indices between 42°C and 47°C include Pasay City, Metro Manila (42°C); Tuguegarao City, Cagayan (42°C); Iba, Zambales (42°C); Clark, Pampanga (42°C); Coron, Palawan (42°C); San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (42°C); Pili, Camarines Sur (42°C); Roxas City, Capiz (42°C); Iloilo City, Iloilo (42°C); Dumangas, Iloilo (42°C); Echague, Isabela (43°C); Baler, Aurora (43°C); Catarman, Northern Samar (43°C); Tarlac City, Tarlac (44°C); Cavite City, Cavite (44°C); Tanauan, Batangas (44°C); and San Ildefonso, Bulacan (47°C).

Heat index values between 42°C and 51°C are categorized by PAGASA as “dangerous.”

At this level, the risk of heat cramps and heat exhaustion increases significantly and prolonged exposure may lead to heatstroke, especially for vulnerable groups.

READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/15/planning-to-head-out-minimize-sun-exposure-between-10-a-m-and-4-p-m-pagasa-advises

Planning to head out? Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., PAGASA advises

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 15, 2025 09:25 AM

  

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Photo from Pixabay

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public to limit exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the Holy Week, when hot and humid conditions are expected across the country.

From Wednesday to Sunday, April 16 to 20, PAGASA said the whole archipelago will be affected by the easterlies, which may cause high temperatures in several areas.

PAGASA warned that midday heat, combined with humidity, increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially during the hottest hours of the day—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Although brief rain showers or thunderstorms may occur in the afternoon or evening, they are not expected to provide substantial relief from the daytime heat.

To stay safe, PAGASA advised the public to stay hydrated, wear light-colored and breathable clothing, and take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas.

ITCZ to bring rain to E. Visayas, Mindanao; easterlies to heat up rest of PH

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 11, 2025 09:32 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, April 11 said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to cause rainy conditions in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao, while the easterlies will bring hot and humid weather to the rest of the country.

PAGASA said the ITCZ will bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms to Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may also persist in the rest of Mindanao.

The ITCZ forms when winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, leading to the formation of rain-bearing clouds.

Residents affected by the ITCZ are warned of the possibility of flash floods or landslides, particularly during moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, the easterlies will bring hot and humid conditions across the rest of the country, with a chance of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon or evening.

The easterlies are warm winds originating from the Pacific Ocean. 

PAGASA advised the public to remain vigilant during severe thunderstorms, which could trigger flash floods or landslides.

Weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said PAGASA had not monitored any low-pressure areas or tropical cyclones near or within the country’s area of responsibility as of Friday.