MANILA, June 6, 2026 — Two weather systems operating simultaneously are making for a dangerous Saturday across much of the Philippines, with Luzon bearing the heaviest impact. Tropical Depression (TD) "Ester" and a fully active Southwest Monsoon — the habagat — are combining to produce widespread rainfall, elevated flash flood risks, and hazardous coastal conditions, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its early morning bulletin.
PAGASA's forecast, issued at 4:00 AM and covering the 24-hour period ending at 4:00 AM on Sunday, June 7, warns that the dual-system weather setup could trigger flash floods and landslides in numerous provinces. The agency specifically urges residents in low-lying communities and those living near mountainous terrain to maintain a high level of alertness for the duration of the day.
Tracking TD Ester: Position, Strength, and Movement
At 3:00 AM Saturday, PAGASA placed the center of Tropical Depression Ester at approximately 350 kilometers north-northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, at coordinates 23.8°N, 122.8°E. The tropical depression was packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h. The system was moving in an east-northeastward direction at 15 km/h, steering away from the Philippine landmass rather than approaching it.
Although TD Ester is not forecast to make landfall, its offshore position is significantly energizing the Southwest Monsoon currently draped over Northern and Central Luzon. According to PAGASA, this reinforcement effect is the primary driver of the hazardous weather conditions affecting multiple regions today.
Luzon Takes the Brunt of the Weather Disturbances
The island group of Luzon is the most adversely affected area, with PAGASA outlining several zones of distinct weather impact across the archipelago's northernmost major landmass.
Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan
PAGASA forecasts intermittent rains for these areas, fueled mainly by the Southwest Monsoon. Rainfall is not expected to be continuous but can intensify to moderate to heavy levels at certain intervals, which raises the risk of flash flooding and landslides — particularly in the elevated, rugged terrain of Abra and Benguet. People living near riverbanks, mountain slopes, and drainage channels are urged to remain vigilant and ready to act on official warnings.
Metro Manila and Adjacent Provinces
The capital region is in for a considerably wet day. PAGASA's bulletin describes cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms for Metro Manila, conditions that can produce sudden, intense downpours capable of overwhelming urban drainage infrastructure and causing localized flooding. Commuters are advised to anticipate delays, and outdoor activities should be planned with the threat of abrupt heavy rain in mind.
Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region
Both Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) fall under the same weather forecast: cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms capable of triggering flash floods and landslides. The Cordillera's steep mountain terrain makes its communities especially susceptible during sustained or intense rainfall. PAGASA advises upland residents to stay updated on local advisories and be prepared to evacuate should authorities call for it.
Remaining Central Luzon, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro
These provinces likewise face a forecast of cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Flash floods and landslides remain a credible hazard, especially in flood-prone zones and areas near river systems and elevated terrain. Residents in coastal provinces such as Batangas and Occidental Mindoro are additionally advised to monitor marine conditions, as rough seas may compound risks throughout the day.
Visayas and Mindanao: Lighter Impact but Risks Remain
Weather conditions become less severe further south, but PAGASA cautions that Saturday is not risk-free for areas outside Luzon.
Across the rest of the country — encompassing the Visayas island group and the entirety of Mindanao — the state weather agency forecasts partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. These rain episodes stem from localized convective activity rather than an organized weather system.
Nonetheless, PAGASA emphasizes that isolated thunderstorms can still produce localized flash floods and trigger landslides over susceptible terrain. Residents throughout the Visayas — spanning Eastern, Western, and Central Visayas — and across Mindanao, including the Davao region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), are reminded not to disregard the possibility of sudden heavy downpours, even on a day that may appear mostly fair.
Coastal and Sea Conditions: Warnings for Mariners and Fisherfolk
PAGASA has issued advisories regarding wave conditions off Luzon's coastlines, flagging serious hazards for those at sea.
Off the coasts of Northern Luzon and the western portions of Central Luzon, southwest winds will be moderate to strong, generating coastal waters classified as moderate to rough, with wave heights between 1.2 and 3.1 meters. These conditions are considered dangerous for small fishing boats and traditional bancas. The weather agency strongly recommends that fisherfolk and mariners in these zones either proceed with extreme caution or remain on shore for the day.
Elsewhere across the country, winds will be light to moderate out of the south to southwest, with coastal seas rated slight to moderate and wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters. While less hazardous, small watercraft operators in these areas are still urged to stay cautious, especially during afternoon and early evening hours when thunderstorm activity tends to peak.
Temperature and Humidity: Warm and Muggy Throughout
PAGASA's weather station at Science Garden in Diliman, Quezon City recorded a maximum temperature of 28.8°C at 11:00 AM and a minimum of 26.2°C at 8:00 PM during the preceding 24-hour observation period. Relative humidity fluctuated between a high of 92% and a low of 78%, consistent with the moisture-saturated atmosphere typical of the monsoon season.
The agency notes that even during rain-free intervals, the air will feel oppressively warm and humid. Vulnerable groups — including the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory ailments — are advised to stay hydrated and limit prolonged exposure to the heat and humidity during peak daytime hours.
Tidal Data for Manila Bay
According to PAGASA, tidal predictions for Manila Bay provided by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) show a high tide of 1.16 meters at 1:08 PM and a low tide of -0.02 meters at 10:04 PM on Saturday. Coastal communities along Manila Bay and low-lying barangays near the shoreline should factor in the possibility of coastal flooding when this high tide coincides with the day's anticipated heavy rainfall.
Astronomical Data for Metro Manila
For Metro Manila, PAGASA reports that the sun rose at 5:26 AM and will set at 6:24 PM. The moon is scheduled to rise at 11:01 PM and set at 10:05 AM, currently in a waxing gibbous phase with 69% illumination.
What Residents Should Do
PAGASA and disaster risk reduction authorities consistently remind the public to observe standard precautions when an active monsoon season coincides with a tropical disturbance. Residents in flood-prone areas and communities situated near mountain slopes should stay informed through official weather bulletins, avoid crossing flooded roads or waterways, and be prepared to relocate to safer ground if local government officials issue evacuation orders. Those at sea or planning maritime activities should defer to PAGASA's coastal advisories before setting out.
The public is encouraged to monitor PAGASA's official website and social media channels for updates as weather systems continue to develop throughout the day.
Originally reported by: BreakingNewsNegOr.com / Balita