Tropical Depression "Ester" and an active Southwest Monsoon are jointly shaping hazardous weather conditions across much of the Philippines on Friday, June 5, 2026, with Batanes bearing the brunt of the combined systems, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA issued its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4:00 AM today, valid until 4:00 AM on Saturday, June 6. While the most severe conditions are concentrated in the far north of the country, the Southwest Monsoon — locally known as habagat — is extending its influence southward, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorm risks to millions of Filipinos from Luzon to isolated communities in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Tropical Depression Ester: Where It Is and Where It Is Headed
As of 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression Ester was estimated at 220 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, positioned at coordinates 21.9°N, 120.1°E. The system is carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h. It is tracking northeastward at a speed of 20 km/h.
PAGASA notes that Ester is simultaneously reinforcing the Southwest Monsoon's influence over Northern and Central Luzon, compounding rain and wind hazards across a broad swath of the country's northern regions.
Luzon: The Hardest-Hit Region
Batanes: Rain, Gusty Winds, and Flash Flood Risk
Residents of the Batanes island group — the Philippines' northernmost province — face the most serious weather threat today. PAGASA warns of rains with gusty winds directly attributable to Tropical Depression Ester, with the agency flagging a possible risk of flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall. There is also a minimal to minor threat to life and property from strong winds in the area.
Residents and local government units in Batanes are urged to exercise caution, particularly those living near riverbanks, low-lying coastal areas, and steep slopes prone to landslides.
Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales: Intense Rain Possible
The Southwest Monsoon is driving occasional rains — with the potential to turn heavy or intense at times — over the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, and Zambales. PAGASA warns that these conditions may trigger flash floods and landslides. Communities in mountainous areas of Abra and Benguet, in particular, should remain vigilant given their elevated terrain and susceptibility to soil movement during heavy rainfall events.
Metro Manila, Parts of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, and Southern Luzon
Metro Manila can expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms today, also driven by the Southwest Monsoon. The same conditions apply to the rest of Cagayan Valley (outside of Batanes), the remaining provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA warns that moderate to at-times-heavy rains in these areas may cause flash floods or landslides, particularly in flood-prone urban areas of Metro Manila and the mountainous sub-regions of the Cordillera. Residents in low-lying communities and informal settlements near waterways should monitor local alerts from their respective city and municipal disaster risk reduction offices.
Visayas and Mindanao: Mostly Fair but Thunderstorms Possible
The rest of the country — encompassing the Visayas and Mindanao, as well as areas of Luzon not specifically mentioned above — will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. These are attributed to localized thunderstorm activity rather than the organized monsoon or tropical depression systems affecting northern Luzon.
While conditions are generally more benign across the Visayas and Mindanao, PAGASA still flags the possibility of flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorm episodes. Outdoor activities, particularly in mountainous or coastal areas, should be planned with this in mind.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
Winds over Northern and Central Luzon will be moderate to strong, blowing from the southwest. Coastal waters in these areas will be moderate to rough, with wave heights ranging from 1.2 to 3.4 meters. PAGASA advises that small seacraft — including fishing boats and inter-island ferries on smaller routes — should exercise extreme caution or avoid venturing into these waters altogether.
For the rest of the country, winds will be light to moderate, also from the south to southwest direction. Coastal waters elsewhere will be slight to moderate, with wave heights between 0.6 to 1.5 meters — generally safer conditions, though mariners should remain watchful for sudden changes associated with localized thunderstorms.
Temperature and Humidity in Metro Manila
At the PAGASA weather station in Science Garden, Diliman, Quezon City, yesterday's temperature extremes were recorded as follows: a maximum of 31.8°C at 12:00 noon and a minimum of 25.4°C at 6:00 AM. Relative humidity ranged from a high of 88 percent to a low of 61 percent over the same 24-hour period ending at 8:00 PM yesterday.
The combination of cloud cover, rainfall, and high humidity is expected to make conditions feel muggy and uncomfortable throughout the day, particularly in Metro Manila and other urban areas. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and dress in light, breathable clothing.
Astronomical Information for Metro Manila (June 5, 2026)
Sunrise over Metro Manila is at 5:26 AM and sunset at 6:23 PM. The moon rises at 10:22 PM and sets at 9:14 AM, with the moon at 77 percent illumination — a waxing gibbous phase. Tidal data from NAMRIA indicates a high tide of 1.2 meters in Manila Bay at 12:24 PM today, and a low tide of -0.07 meters at 9:24 PM.
Safety Reminders
With flash floods and landslides identified as the primary hazards across multiple regions today, PAGASA and local disaster risk reduction authorities typically advise the following precautions during active monsoon and tropical depression conditions:
Residents in flood-prone barangays should identify their nearest evacuation center and be ready to move at short notice if local officials issue evacuation orders. Those in landslide-prone mountainous communities — particularly in the Cordillera, Abra, and Batanes — should avoid slopes and hillsides during and after heavy rain. Motorists should avoid flooded roads, as even shallow floodwaters can conceal deep hazards or strong currents. Fisherfolk and boat operators in Northern and Central Luzon coastal waters are strongly cautioned against going out to sea given the rough wave conditions forecast for today.
"Tracking the sky… helping the country." — PAGASA
PAGASA will continue to monitor Tropical Depression Ester and the behavior of the Southwest Monsoon throughout the day. Weather conditions may change rapidly, and readers are strongly encouraged to check for updated forecasts regularly, especially those in Batanes and Northern Luzon where the most significant hazards are concentrated.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.