MANILA, June 23, 2026 — The Philippines is contending with two dangerous weather systems at once this Tuesday, as Super Typhoon Francisco closes in on Northern Luzon from the Pacific and the Southwest Monsoon continues to drench vast stretches of the country from Southern Luzon down through the Visayas and Mindanao. No region of the archipelago is completely spared from weather-related risks today.
The state weather bureau PAGASA released its forecast at 4:00 AM Tuesday, with the bulletin valid through 4:00 AM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The agency is urging residents across the country to stay informed and take early precautionary measures, particularly those living in the projected path of the approaching typhoon and in communities prone to flooding and landslides.
Two Systems, One Nation at Risk
At the heart of today's weather threat is Super Typhoon Francisco, also known internationally as Mekkhala. According to PAGASA, the typhoon's center was located approximately 420 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, as of 3:00 AM Tuesday, at coordinates 18.5°N, 125.6°E. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 230 km/h — placing it firmly in the super typhoon category, the most destructive classification for tropical cyclones in the Philippine system.
Francisco is moving west-northwestward at a measured pace of 10 km/h. PAGASA noted that as of 5:00 AM Tuesday, the typhoon had not yet entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, the weather bureau cautioned that its current trajectory points squarely at Northern Luzon, and conditions could evolve rapidly in the hours and days ahead.
Compounding the situation is an active Southwest Monsoon, or habagat, independently affecting the southern half of the country. The habagat is a seasonal meteorological phenomenon that brings warm, moisture-saturated air sweeping in from the southwest during the mid-year period. When fully active, PAGASA explains, it can generate sustained, widespread rainfall across broad areas — rainfall that, while less visually dramatic than a typhoon, is equally capable of causing devastating flash floods and triggering landslides, especially in terrain that has already absorbed heavy rains in preceding days.
PAGASA also reported a separate Tropical Depression located roughly 2,680 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon, carrying maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h. The agency said the system remains too distant to pose an immediate threat but is under continuous monitoring for potential development.
What to Expect by Region
Northern Luzon: Highest Alert
Northern Luzon bears the brunt of Francisco's approach. PAGASA's bulletin indicated that provinces such as Cagayan, Isabela, the Ilocos Region, and the Cordillera Administrative Region fall within the typhoon's anticipated path. Coastal areas in the region are forecast to experience moderate to strong westerly winds, with wave heights ranging from 1.2 to 3.7 meters — classified as rough to very rough sea conditions. Although no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been raised as of the 4:00 AM bulletin, the weather bureau stressed that signals could be issued in succeeding advisories as the typhoon draws nearer. Local government units and emergency managers in the region have been urged to begin preemptive preparations without delay.
MIMAROPA and Southern Luzon: Monsoon-Driven Showers
The MIMAROPA island group — comprising Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan — will see cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms attributable to the habagat. According to PAGASA, moderate to heavy rainfall in the area raises the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous communities and low-lying flood-prone zones. Offshore, light to moderate westerly winds are forecast to produce wave heights of 0.8 to 2.5 meters, conditions that are manageable for larger vessels but hazardous for small watercraft.
Metro Manila and Nearby Provinces: Intermittent Rain
Residents of Metro Manila and adjacent provinces can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers throughout the day, driven by the monsoon's influence. Convective activity — and therefore heavier downpours — is likely to peak during the afternoon and evening hours. Commuters are advised to allow extra travel time, as even moderate rain frequently causes flooding and traffic bottlenecks in built-up urban areas.
Visayas: Widespread Showers and Landslide Risk
The Southwest Monsoon is bearing down across the entire Visayas region, producing cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rainshowers and thunderstorms. PAGASA warned that the risk of flash floods and landslides is elevated, especially in areas with steep slopes or along river corridors. Residents in Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas are advised to monitor local government advisories closely and refrain from unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas during periods of intense rainfall.
Mindanao: Continued Monsoon Coverage
Mindanao is similarly under the influence of the habagat, with cloudy skies and scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms forecast across the island group. The weather bureau warned that localized flash flooding and landslides remain a genuine concern for communities situated in low-lying and mountainous areas. PAGASA advised residents in vulnerable barangays to coordinate proactively with their local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) and to heed any evacuation orders promptly.
Understanding the Active Advisories
PAGASA's bulletin carries several distinct advisories that the public should understand in practical terms:
Super Typhoon Francisco — Outside PAR: The fact that Francisco has not yet entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility means no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals have been raised over any province as of this bulletin. But PAGASA emphasized that this does not mean the threat is distant or minor. The storm's track toward Northern Luzon means wind signals may be raised within hours. Residents of Cagayan, Isabela, the Ilocos provinces, and the Cordillera should not wait for signal issuance before securing their homes, preparing emergency supply kits, and identifying evacuation routes.
Habagat Rainfall for the South: For Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, the monsoon is generating rainfall patterns that PAGASA associates with elevated flash flood and landslide risk. Prolonged, heavy rainfall — even without a typhoon — should be treated as a serious warning sign. Communities are urged not to wait for floodwaters to rise before beginning evacuation to higher ground or designated evacuation centers.
Rough Seas Along Northern Luzon Coasts: With wave heights of 1.2 to 3.7 meters forecast over the seaboards of Northern Luzon, PAGASA and the Philippine Coast Guard strongly advise that small fishing boats, bangka, and similar light vessels should not venture out to sea. Operators of larger vessels must exercise extreme caution and consult coast guard authorities before any departure.
Moderate Seas Around MIMAROPA: Wave heights of 0.8 to 2.5 meters are forecast for waters surrounding the MIMAROPA region. While larger commercial vessels can navigate these conditions with care, fisherfolk and small-craft operators are advised to stay close to shore or remain in port until conditions improve.
Safety Reminders for the Public
For those in Northern Luzon, the priority is preparation — now, before Francisco draws closer. PAGASA's track forecasts are subject to revision, and the typhoon's slow movement means the window for securing property and completing evacuation preparations may be shorter than it appears. Gather emergency supplies, charge communication devices, and identify your nearest evacuation center.
For those in the Visayas, Mindanao, and Southern Luzon, the monsoon is the immediate concern. Continuous heavy rainfall over already-saturated ground significantly raises landslide risk. Residents near hillsides, riverbanks, and flood-prone coastal areas should remain on alert. Coordinate with your barangay officials and never attempt to cross flooded roads or rivers on foot or by vehicle.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues updated bulletins every six hours during active weather events, with more frequent updates as a typhoon approaches landfall. The public is encouraged to follow only official PAGASA advisories and announcements from local government units to avoid acting on unverified information circulating on social media.
Originally reported by: breakingnewsnegor.com