QUEZON CITY, July 20, 2026 — Millions of Filipinos from Batanes in the far north to Mindanao in the south will contend with unsettled weather today as the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, continues to assert its influence across large portions of the country. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4:00 AM on Monday, July 20, 2026, warning of isolated rainshowers, thunderstorms, and the potential for flash floods and landslides lasting through 4:00 AM on Tuesday, July 21.
No area of the Philippines is spared from at least some chance of rainfall today. Whether driven by the habagat or by localized thunderstorms, every region faces the possibility of sudden, heavy downpours — the kind that can transform quiet streets into rivers and trigger dangerous hillside movement in a matter of minutes.
What Is Driving Today's Weather?
According to PAGASA, today's primary weather driver is the southwest monsoon, or habagat. This is a large-scale seasonal wind system that blows warm, moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea toward the Philippines every year between roughly June and September. When habagat is active, it pumps enormous amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere over the western side of the country, feeding persistent cloudiness and frequent rain. The western coasts of Luzon and Visayas are most directly in its path, which is why PAGASA identifies those areas as the zones most influenced by the monsoon today. Even areas not directly under habagat's influence can still experience rain today, because the moisture-rich atmosphere makes it easier for localized thunderstorms to develop almost anywhere across the archipelago.
Region-by-Region Forecast
Luzon
A wide swath of Luzon falls under the direct influence of the southwest monsoon today. Metro Manila residents should prepare for a day of on-and-off showers and possible thunderstorms. The same goes for the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the island provinces of MIMAROPA. In the far north, Batanes and the Babuyan Islands are also listed under the habagat's reach. Several provinces in the broader CALABARZON and Central Luzon area are specifically named: Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, and Batangas can all expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies punctuated by isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, with flash floods and landslides identified as hazards during severe thunderstorms.
The rest of Luzon — provinces and regions not named in the habagat list — will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms produced by localized convection. Flash floods and landslides remain a concern during any severe thunderstorm episode.
Wind direction across the western sections of Luzon will be from the southwest to west, while the rest of Luzon can expect southeast to southwest winds. Both are at light to moderate intensity. Coastal waters around Luzon will register slight to moderate seas, with wave heights between 0.6 and 1.8 meters.
Visayas
The Visayas region sits squarely in the habagat's sights today. Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region are both directly named in PAGASA's monsoon-affected zone, meaning residents there should expect the heaviest or most persistent bouts of rain among Visayan areas. The rest of the Visayas will also see cloudy skies and isolated showers driven by localized thunderstorms.
Winds across Visayas will blow from the southwest to west at light to moderate strength. Coastal waters will be slight to moderate, with wave heights of 0.6 to 1.8 meters. Residents in low-lying coastal communities and those living along riverbanks should be mindful of any rapid changes in rainfall intensity.
Mindanao
In Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Lanao del Norte are listed under the southwest monsoon's direct influence today, with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms possible and flash floods or landslides identified as hazards. The rest of Mindanao falls under the localized thunderstorm category, meaning scattered rainfall is still very much on the table.
Coastal waters around Mindanao will share the same slight-to-moderate sea conditions as the rest of the country, with wave heights between 0.6 and 1.8 meters.
Understanding the Hazard Warnings
PAGASA's bulletin specifically flags two hazards for today: flash floods and landslides. These are not worst-case scenarios — they are conditions PAGASA considers genuinely possible whenever severe thunderstorms develop, and that is exactly what the forecast allows for today across the entire country.
Flash floods can occur with little to no warning. When a severe thunderstorm dumps heavy rain over a short period — even just 30 to 60 minutes — low-lying areas, drainage channels, and riverbanks can flood rapidly. Landslides are most likely in mountainous and hilly areas, particularly in CAR, parts of Mindanao, and coastal ranges throughout the Visayas, where the soil can become saturated quickly.
No color-coded rainfall warnings (yellow, orange, or red) or tropical cyclone wind signals are active as of this bulletin. However, if you want to understand what those warning levels mean and how to act on them, read our guide on how to read PAGASA's weather warnings so you are prepared when they are issued.
What This Means for You
Commuters
Urban flooding is a real possibility during any severe thunderstorm today, particularly in Metro Manila and other densely built-up areas where drainage systems can be quickly overwhelmed. If you commute by foot, motorcycle, or public transport, leave earlier than usual to avoid being caught in flash floods that can develop in 30 minutes or less. Avoid underpasses, low-lying roads, and flooded streets regardless of apparent water depth — even shallow floodwaters can hide open manholes and strong currents.
Fisherfolk and Small Boat Operators
Coastal waters across the country are forecast to be slight to moderate today, with wave heights reaching up to 1.8 meters. While these are not extreme conditions, light to moderate winds combined with scattered thunderstorms make conditions unpredictable for small, motorized bancas. PAGASA advises small boat operators to exercise caution, and it is safest to stay ashore during any active thunderstorm, as lightning at sea is extremely dangerous.
Farmers
Farmers across affected regions — especially those in Ilocos, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and BARMM — should secure lightweight farm equipment and protect harvested crops from moisture damage. In hilly farming areas, be alert to signs of soil saturation and potential landslides on steep slopes. The habagat season typically brings sustained rainfall that can benefit irrigation but also cause soil erosion and crop damage when thunderstorms are severe.
Students, Parents, and Schools
Parents should check with local schools and local government units early in the morning regarding any class suspensions or schedule adjustments, particularly in Metro Manila, Ilocos, CAR, Western Visayas, and Mindanao provinces under the habagat's direct influence. Ensure children have rain gear and know their safe routes home. In areas with known flood-prone streets, identify alternative roads or pick-up points in advance.
Outdoor Workers and Construction
Workers in open-air environments — construction, agriculture, infrastructure — should be briefed on the day's weather hazards before starting work. Supervisors should have a clear protocol for suspending operations and moving workers to safe shelter when thunderstorms approach. Lightning from isolated thunderstorms poses a direct risk to anyone working at height or in open fields.
Temperature and Humidity Outlook
PAGASA's weather station at Science Garden in Diliman, Quezon City recorded a maximum temperature of 32.6°C at 2:00 PM yesterday and a minimum of 26.2°C at 7:00 AM. Relative humidity ranged between 60% and 89% over the same 24-hour period. While no formal heat index alert is in effect, the combination of temperatures in the low 30s and high humidity can make it feel significantly hotter during any dry spells between rain bouts — particularly for outdoor workers and the elderly. Stay hydrated and seek shade when possible during breaks in the rain.
Sunrise over Metro Manila today is at 5:36 AM and sunset at 6:29 PM. The moon is at 40% illumination, rising at 10:51 AM and setting at 10:52 PM.
Bottom Line
The single most important thing you can do today: check your surroundings before and during any heavy rain. Flash floods and landslides can happen quickly under today's conditions across the entire country. Whether you are in Metro Manila, the mountains of Cordillera, the coasts of Western Visayas, or the lowlands of Mindanao, move away from flood-prone areas and steep slopes at the first sign of intense rainfall — and do not wait for an official warning to act. Your safety comes first.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph