QUEZON CITY — Scattered rain and thunderstorms will affect parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Friday, July 3, 2026, as easterlies push moisture over the country's eastern sections, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 4:00 AM bulletin. A tropical storm is also active outside Philippine territory, though it poses no direct threat to the country at this time.
What's Driving Today's Weather
The dominant weather system at work today is the easterlies — steady winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean toward the Philippine landmass. These winds carry warm, humid air that, when it encounters mountain ranges and heated land surfaces, rises and condenses into rain clouds and thunderstorms. PAGASA says the easterlies are currently affecting the eastern sections of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and the Visayas, making those areas most vulnerable to wet conditions throughout the day.
Separately, Tropical Storm Maysak (known internationally as Henry) is located approximately 885 kilometers west of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of up to 80 kph. The storm is moving west-southwestward at 16 kph. As of 3:00 AM today, Maysak is outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and is not directly influencing the country's weather conditions. PAGASA is tracking its movement, and Filipinos are advised to monitor official updates for any changes.
Region-by-Region Forecast
Luzon
Eastern sections of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon are in for the wettest conditions in the Luzon landmass today. PAGASA forecasts partly to mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms in these areas, driven by the prevailing easterlies. Residents should be alert to the possibility of flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities and along hillside areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Metro Manila and its eastern environs can expect partly cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. While conditions will not be as consistently wet as in the eastern Luzon provinces, sudden downpours — especially in the afternoon — remain possible. PAGASA warns that these localized showers can still trigger flash floods or cause traffic disruptions in flood-prone urban areas.
Wind conditions over Luzon will be variable by sub-region. Winds over Luzon's eastern coast will blow from the east to the southeast at moderate speeds. Coastal waters off Southern Luzon are forecast to be moderate, with wave heights ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 meters. Small boat operators and fisherfolk in these waters are advised to exercise caution.
Visayas
The Visayas is among the most directly affected regions today. Eastern Visayas will bear the brunt of the easterlies, with PAGASA forecasting partly to mostly cloudy skies and scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. As with eastern Luzon, the agency warns of possible flash floods and landslides — a reminder that even relatively brief but intense downpours can cause rapid and dangerous flooding, especially in communities near rivers or mountain slopes.
Winds across the Visayas will blow from the east at light to moderate speeds, with coastal waters described as slight to moderate. Fisherfolk venturing out to sea should assess conditions carefully before departure, particularly in the eastern seaboard, where swells may be more pronounced.
Mindanao
Mindanao will see comparatively calmer weather today. PAGASA forecasts light to moderate winds over the island group, with coastal waters remaining slight to moderate — described as generally safe for most maritime activity, though fisherfolk should remain vigilant. No major rain systems are highlighted for Mindanao in today's bulletin.
Decoding the Warnings: What Each Advisory Means for You
PAGASA's forecast for today does not include any active Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over any part of the Philippines, as Tropical Storm Maysak remains well outside PAR. However, the agency's rain-related warnings are still relevant for residents in affected areas. If you are unsure how to interpret PAGASA's color-coded rainfall advisories and storm signal system, this plain-language guide on how to read PAGASA's weather warnings explains what each level means and what action to take.
Today's primary concern is the risk of flash floods and landslides flagged by PAGASA in Eastern Visayas and the eastern sections of Luzon. These are not minor advisories: flash floods can develop within minutes of heavy rainfall, and landslides can strike with little warning on saturated slopes. Residents in vulnerable communities should know their evacuation routes and stay in contact with their local government units (LGUs) for ground-level alerts.
What It Means for You
Commuters
If you are traveling through Metro Manila or any of the eastern Luzon and Visayas provinces today, expect the possibility of sudden afternoon or evening showers. Bring an umbrella or rain gear, allow extra travel time in case of traffic caused by localized flooding, and avoid crossing flooded roads or underpasses — even shallow-looking floodwater can be dangerous.
Fisherfolk and Small Boat Operators
Coastal waters off Southern Luzon are forecast to be moderate, with wave heights of 1.2 to 2.1 meters — conditions that small, non-motorized, or lightly built vessels may find challenging. Waters around the Visayas and Mindanao are classified as slight to moderate. PAGASA advises all fisherfolk to check the latest sea condition updates before heading out, and those operating small boats along Southern Luzon's coast should seriously consider staying ashore today.
Farmers
Farmers in Eastern Visayas and eastern Luzon should be prepared for intermittent but potentially heavy rain throughout the day. Scattered thunderstorms can bring sudden, intense downpours that may damage standing crops, cause soil erosion, or flood low-lying agricultural fields. If possible, delay field activities during peak thunderstorm hours — typically the afternoon — and ensure drainage in farm areas is clear and functional.
Students, Parents, and Schools
Parents of students in Eastern Visayas and eastern Luzon should monitor their LGU's announcements regarding class suspensions, particularly if their area receives heavy rainfall and localized flooding warnings. Schools in flood-prone barangays should have contingency plans ready. Always prioritize safety over attendance during periods of active thunderstorm activity.
Outdoor Workers
Construction workers, delivery riders, vendors, and others who work outdoors in affected regions should take shelter immediately when thunder is heard or lightning is visible — lightning can strike well before a storm arrives overhead. Avoid working on elevated or exposed structures during thunderstorm conditions. Plan work schedules around the likely afternoon peak of convective (heat-triggered) rainfall.
Temperature and Humidity Outlook
PAGASA recorded the following extremes at the Science Garden station in Diliman, Quezon City for the 24-hour period ending at 8:00 PM yesterday:
- Maximum temperature: 38.4°C, recorded at 2:00 PM
- Minimum temperature: 26.8°C, recorded at 6:00 AM
- Maximum relative humidity: 88%, recorded at 6:00 AM
- Minimum relative humidity: 60%, recorded at 12:00 PM
A peak temperature of 38.4°C is significantly high and underscores the importance of heat safety, particularly during midday hours. High humidity compounds the discomfort and health risks of elevated temperatures by reducing the body's ability to cool itself through sweating. Outdoor workers and those without access to air-conditioning or shade should drink water frequently, take rest breaks in cool or shaded areas, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion — including dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and heavy sweating.
"Easterlies affecting the eastern sections of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas." — PAGASA, 4:00 AM forecast, July 3, 2026
Tropical Storm Maysak: Tracking Update
While Tropical Storm Maysak is not inside PAR and is not raising any wind signals over Philippine territory, its presence in the broader region is a reminder to remain weather-aware in the days ahead. PAGASA's forecasters are tracking its west-southwestward movement. Residents, especially in Northern and Western Luzon, should continue checking for official PAGASA updates as the storm's track may evolve.
Bottom Line
If you live in Eastern Visayas or eastern Luzon, prepare for scattered thunderstorms today that can trigger flash floods and landslides — keep your rain gear handy, know your evacuation route, and stay off flooded roads. Everywhere else in the country can still expect isolated showers, and the country-wide heat remains a concern, so stay hydrated and limit midday outdoor exposure.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.