Two converging weather systems are putting millions of Filipinos on alert this Friday, June 5, 2026 — Tropical Depression "Ester" and an energized Southwest Monsoon, known locally as habagat, are working in tandem to generate dangerous rainfall, gusty winds, and rough coastal waters, particularly across Luzon's northern reaches. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4:00 AM today, covering the period through 4:00 AM on Saturday, June 6.
Where Tropical Depression Ester Stands Right Now
Based on PAGASA's 3:00 AM bulletin, Tropical Depression Ester's center was located approximately 220 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, at coordinates 21.9°N, 120.1°E. The weather disturbance is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its core, with gusts of up to 55 km/h, and is moving in a northeastward direction at 20 km/h.
According to PAGASA, Ester is not only a standalone threat — it is simultaneously amplifying the Southwest Monsoon's grip over Northern and Central Luzon, widening the zone of hazardous weather conditions across the country's upper regions.
Batanes Under the Greatest Threat
The Philippines' northernmost island group, Batanes, is absorbing the worst of both systems combined. PAGASA warns that residents there should brace for rain with gusty winds directly caused by Tropical Depression Ester. More critically, the agency has flagged the potential for flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall, alongside a minimal to minor threat to life and property from strong surface winds.
PAGASA urges residents — especially those living along riverbanks, low-lying coastlines, and slopes vulnerable to soil movement — to exercise heightened caution and remain ready to respond to any evacuation directives from local government officials.
Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales: Heavy Rain on the Horizon
The active habagat is pushing occasional rains — capable of turning heavy to intense during peak periods — over the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales. PAGASA cautions that these rainfall bursts could set off flash flooding and landslides, particularly in the rugged highland terrain of Abra and Benguet, where steep slopes and saturated soils during prolonged rain events make communities especially vulnerable.
Metro Manila and Central Luzon Provinces Also Affected
Residents of Metro Manila should expect a cloudy day with scattered rains and thunderstorms, likewise driven by the Southwest Monsoon's influence. The broader forecast, as issued by PAGASA, extends similar conditions to the rest of Cagayan Valley (outside Batanes), the remaining provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, and the provinces of Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
The weather bureau warns that moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall in Metro Manila and the Cordillera could produce flash floods — especially in flood-prone urban districts and informal settlements close to waterways — as well as landslides in the mountainous subregions. Residents are advised to keep tabs on real-time alerts from their city and municipal disaster risk reduction and management offices.
Visayas and Mindanao: Calmer, but Not Risk-Free
Conditions across the Visayas, Mindanao, and other Luzon areas not specifically cited in the forecast are expected to be relatively more settled — partly cloudy to cloudy skies with only isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms from localized convective activity, rather than from the organized monsoon or tropical depression systems affecting the north.
Even so, PAGASA notes that isolated but severe thunderstorms can still trigger flash floods and landslides in susceptible areas. Residents in mountainous or coastal communities throughout these regions are advised to take this into account when planning outdoor activities.
Sea Conditions and Wind Advisories
Over Northern and Central Luzon, PAGASA forecasts moderate to strong southwesterly winds, with coastal waters turning moderate to rough — wave heights ranging between 1.2 and 3.4 meters. Small seacraft, including fishing vessels and boats operating on shorter inter-island routes, are strongly discouraged from venturing into these waters.
Elsewhere in the country, winds are expected to be light to moderate, also blowing from the south to southwest. Coastal waters in these areas will remain at slight to moderate levels, with wave heights of 0.6 to 1.5 meters — comparatively manageable, though PAGASA advises mariners to stay alert to rapid changes that may accompany localized storm cells.
Temperature, Humidity, and Comfort Levels in the Capital
At the PAGASA Science Garden monitoring station in Diliman, Quezon City, the previous day's weather data showed a high temperature of 31.8°C recorded at noon and a low of 25.4°C at 6:00 AM. Relative humidity swung between a maximum of 88 percent and a minimum of 61 percent over the 24-hour period ending at 8:00 PM.
The combination of overcast skies, intermittent rainfall, and elevated humidity levels will make the day feel noticeably muggy in Metro Manila and other urban centers. PAGASA reminds the public to keep well-hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing throughout the day.
Astronomical and Tidal Data for Metro Manila (June 5, 2026)
For reference, sunrise over Metro Manila today is at 5:26 AM and sunset at 6:23 PM. The moon rises at 10:22 PM and sets at 9:14 AM, currently at 77 percent illumination in its waxing gibbous phase. According to tidal data from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Manila Bay will experience a high tide of 1.2 meters at 12:24 PM and a low tide of -0.07 meters at 9:24 PM.
Key Safety Precautions for Today
With flash floods and landslides flagged as the primary hazards across multiple regions, PAGASA and disaster management authorities recommend the following measures for communities in affected areas:
Barangay residents in flood-prone zones should locate their nearest evacuation center in advance and be prepared to move quickly once local officials issue evacuation orders. Those living in landslide-prone mountainous communities — especially in the Cordillera, Abra, and Batanes — must avoid slopes and hillsides during and after heavy downpours. Motorists are cautioned never to drive through flooded roadways, as even seemingly shallow floodwaters can conceal powerful currents and hidden dangers beneath the surface. Fisherfolk and maritime operators along the Northern and Central Luzon coastline are strongly warned to stay ashore given the rough sea conditions forecast by PAGASA for the day.
PAGASA will continue tracking Tropical Depression Ester and monitoring the behavior of the Southwest Monsoon throughout the day. Weather situations can shift rapidly, and the public — particularly those in Batanes and Northern Luzon — is strongly urged to check for updated bulletins frequently. Official forecasts and advisories are available at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
Originally reported by: breakingnewsnegor.com