Tropical Depression Ester officially exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, bringing an immediate close to its direct threat to the archipelago. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed the storm's departure, subsequently lifting all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals across the country, including in Batanes where Signal No. 1 had been previously hoisted.
While the specific dangers posed by Ester have diminished, the country's weather narrative remains complex. PAGASA has warned that the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat," will continue to deliver significant rainfall and strong winds across vast swathes of Luzon in the coming days. This transition marks not an end to challenging weather, but a shift in focus for communities already grappling with the recently declared onset of the rainy season, emphasizing the Philippines' ongoing vulnerability to meteorological forces.
Ester's departure was confirmed around 8:00 AM on Saturday, with some bulletins specifying the official exit at 11:00 AM. At that point, the tropical depression was located approximately 550 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, though other reports placed its last detected position at 540 kilometers north-northwest of the same island. The system was observed moving generally east-northeastward at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.
Its maximum sustained winds were recorded at 45 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour. Forecasters anticipate Ester will largely maintain this strength as it tracks northeastward over the East China Sea. There is a strong likelihood that the system will gradually intensify as it continues its trajectory towards southern Japan. Some projections even suggest Ester could transition into a post-tropical low by Sunday morning, June 7, provided there are no unforeseen re-entries into the PAR.
However, the meteorological narrative for the Philippines remains complex. The lingering effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, fueled in part by Ester's presence near the country's northern borders, promise continued inclement weather across critical regions. PAGASA has issued advisories for strong to gale-force gusts over the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley on Saturday, extending to Batanes and Babuyan Islands on Sunday. These persistent winds are a significant concern, especially in coastal and upland areas known for their exposure to such forces, posing risks to infrastructure and daily life.
More critically, the monsoon is expected to deliver moderate to heavy rainfall, potentially triggering localized flooding in urbanized, low-lying, and river-adjacent areas. The threat of landslides also looms large in regions identified as highly susceptible. Forecasted rainfall levels for Saturday until Monday noon indicate accumulations of 50–100 millimeters over provinces like Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, and Zambales. While no widespread heavy rainfall exceeding 100-200 millimeters is anticipated in these specific regions, moderate rainfall is expected to persist, influenced by ongoing localized monsoon activity.
The conditions at sea are equally perilous, underscoring the continued need for vigilance, particularly for fishing communities reliant on the sea for their livelihoods. Rough seas, with wave heights reaching up to 3.5 meters, are expected over the seaboards of Batanes. Moderate to rough seas are also projected for the coastal waters of the Babuyan Islands and other portions of northern Luzon, as well as the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro. Mariners of small seacraft, including motorbancas, have been sternly advised against venturing out into these affected waters due to the hazardous conditions.
Ester's brief but impactful journey through the PAR began as a low-pressure area (LPA) that intensified into a tropical depression early on Friday, June 5. This rapid development led to the immediate issuance of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Batanes, highlighting the swift response required from authorities. The timely declaration of the rainy season’s onset on Thursday, June 4, had already primed both government agencies and the public for a comprehensive shift in weather patterns, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in a country frequently visited by tropical cyclones.
Experts from PAGASA have reiterated the critical need for continuous monitoring and adherence to safety protocols, especially for residents in areas historically vulnerable to the combined effects of strong winds and heavy rainfall. The enhanced monsoon, even without a direct tropical cyclone within PAR, can still wreak considerable havoc, disrupting daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure. Local disaster risk reduction and management offices have been urged to maintain their readiness and