Easterly winds will bring widespread rain showers and thunderstorms across the Philippines today, with weather conditions potentially affecting daily activities and posing flooding risks in areas experiencing severe weather, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced.
The 24-hour public weather forecast, issued at 4:00 AM on April 21, 2026, and valid until 4:00 AM tomorrow, indicates that easterlies—warm, moist winds from the Pacific Ocean—are affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, bringing unstable weather conditions nationwide.
National Weather Overview
All regions of the Philippines will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the day. While the weather pattern appears consistent across the country, the underlying causes vary between northern and southern regions, according to PAGASA's meteorological analysis.
The weather bureau specifically warns of possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness measures across all affected areas.
Southern Philippines Weather Conditions
Metro Manila, along with the CALABARZON region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), MIMAROPA (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), and the Bicol Region, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by easterlies.
The entire Visayas region, encompassing Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas, faces similar weather conditions. Provinces including Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Tacloban City should prepare for intermittent rainfall and thunderstorm activity.
All of Mindanao will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the prevailing easterlies. This includes the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, CARAGA, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Northern Luzon Forecast
The rest of Luzon, including the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley, will experience similar weather patterns—partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. However, these conditions result from localized thunderstorms rather than the easterlies affecting the southern regions.
Despite the different meteorological causes, residents across Northern Luzon should expect similar impacts and maintain the same level of weather awareness as their counterparts in other regions.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
PAGASA forecasts varying wind and wave conditions across the archipelago, with eastern coastal areas experiencing more intense conditions due to the easterlies' influence.
The eastern sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will experience moderate northeast to east winds, generating coastal waters with wave heights ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 meters. Fishing vessels and small watercraft should exercise caution when operating in these areas.
Northern and Central Luzon will have light to moderate east to southeast winds, producing slight to moderate coastal water conditions with wave heights of 0.6 to 2.5 meters. These conditions are generally more favorable for maritime activities compared to eastern coastal areas.
The rest of the country will experience light to moderate east to northeast winds, also generating slight to moderate coastal waters. Wave conditions in these areas should remain manageable for most marine activities, though standard maritime safety protocols remain advisable.
Temperature and Humidity Data
PAGASA's weather station at Science Garden in Diliman, Quezon City, recorded temperature extremes for the 24-hour period ending at 8:00 PM yesterday. The maximum temperature reached 33.3 degrees Celsius at 4:20 PM, while the minimum temperature dropped to 26.7 degrees Celsius at 5:00 AM.
Relative humidity levels fluctuated between 68 percent (maximum at 5:00 AM) and 45 percent (minimum at 4:00 PM), indicating typical variations in moisture content throughout the day.
Safety Recommendations and Preparedness Measures
Given the forecast conditions, PAGASA emphasizes the importance of preparedness, particularly regarding the risk of flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms. Residents in low-lying areas, near riverbanks, and in mountainous regions should remain especially vigilant.
Local government units and disaster preparedness agencies should coordinate closely with communities to ensure rapid response capabilities during severe weather events. Emergency evacuation plans should be reviewed and communication channels kept clear.
Motorists should exercise additional caution during rainfall, reducing speed and maintaining greater following distances. Pedestrians should seek shelter during thunderstorms and avoid walking through flooded areas where water depth cannot be determined.
Agricultural communities should secure crops and livestock where possible, while construction sites and outdoor work areas should implement weather-appropriate safety protocols.
Maritime and Aviation Implications
The varying wind and wave conditions across different regions require careful attention from maritime operators. While eastern coastal areas face moderate conditions with higher waves, most other areas maintain manageable conditions for sea travel.
Aviators and passengers should anticipate possible delays or route adjustments due to thunderstorm activity, particularly during afternoon and evening hours when convective weather typically intensifies.
Fishermen operating in eastern waters should pay particular attention to weather developments and consider adjusting departure times or locations based on local conditions and wave forecasts.
Continued Weather Monitoring
The current weather pattern reflects typical easterly influence during this time of year, bringing moisture-laden air from the Pacific Ocean across the Philippine archipelago. While today's forecast indicates manageable conditions overall, the potential for severe local thunderstorms requires ongoing attention.
Weather conditions can change rapidly during thunderstorm development, making continuous monitoring essential for public safety and operational planning across all sectors.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph for the latest weather information and warnings.