QUEZON CITY, July 1, 2026 — Millions of Filipinos across Luzon, the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao face a wet and potentially dangerous Wednesday as Tropical Depression "Henry" bears down near the coast of Bataan, with the Southwest Monsoon adding further rainfall across the western portions of the country. PAGASA issued its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4:00 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, valid until 4:00 AM on July 2.
The combination of an active tropical cyclone and an energized monsoon means that heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough coastal waters are not isolated to a single region — they are a nationwide concern today.
What Is Driving Today's Weather
According to PAGASA, as of 3:00 AM Wednesday, the center of Tropical Depression "Henry" was estimated at approximately 70 kilometers west-southwest of Abucay, Bataan, at coordinates 14.4°N, 119.6°E. Henry is carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 55 km/h. The storm is tracking northwestward at 25 km/h.
In plain terms, a tropical depression is the weakest category of a tropical cyclone — a cluster of organized thunderstorms with a defined center of low pressure and sustained winds below 63 km/h. While Henry is relatively weak in wind terms, its proximity to populated coastal provinces of Central Luzon means it is capable of dumping significant rainfall and kicking up dangerous seas in a short period.
Compounding Henry's impact, the Southwest Monsoon — locally known as the habagat — is also active and affecting the western sections of Visayas and Mindanao. The habagat is a seasonal wind pattern that draws warm, moisture-laden air from the sea into the western portions of the Philippines every rainy season. When a tropical cyclone like Henry is present nearby, it acts like a pump, intensifying the habagat and pulling even more rain-bearing air into affected areas. This is why regions far from Henry's center are also experiencing heavy rain today.
Region-by-Region Forecast
Metro Manila and Nearby Provinces
Metro Manila, as well as the provinces of Zambales and Bataan, should expect cloudy skies with rain and strong winds throughout the day. PAGASA warns of a minor threat to life and property in these areas due to Tropical Depression Henry. Residents of low-lying and coastal communities in Bataan and Zambales in particular should be on alert for flooding and storm surge conditions.
CALABARZON, Bulacan, and Central Luzon
CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Bulacan, and the eastern section of Central Luzon can expect cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain and strong winds, also driven by Henry. PAGASA cites the threat of flooding and landslides in these areas. Residents in hilly and riverside communities within these provinces should exercise heightened caution and be prepared to move to higher ground if local authorities issue evacuation orders.
Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, and Palawan
The habagat — amplified by Henry's presence — is delivering cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorms to Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, and Palawan. PAGASA warns that flash floods or landslides are possible in these areas. Communities near rivers, mountain slopes, and coastal cliffs should monitor water levels and heed any warnings from local disaster risk reduction offices.
The Rest of the Country
For the remainder of the country — including Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, BARMM, Caraga, and other areas not specifically cited — PAGASA forecasts isolated rain showers and thunderstorms. While these areas are not under an immediate threat from Henry or the full force of the habagat today, residents should still remain cautious during severe thunderstorms, which can produce localized flooding and dangerous lightning strikes.
Coastal Waters and Seas: What Fisherfolk Must Know
PAGASA has issued the following coastal water and wind forecasts for Wednesday:
Luzon Sea Areas: The sea areas around Luzon are forecast to have moderate to strong winds from the southeast, with wave heights ranging from 1.2 to 2.8 meters — conditions described as moderate to rough. The northern sections of Luzon's sea areas are expected to see light to moderate winds from the southeast, with slight to moderate wave heights.
Rest of the Country: Sea areas covering the rest of the country are forecast to have light to moderate winds from various directions, with slight to moderate wave heights.
Wave heights of 1.2 to 2.8 meters are hazardous to small fishing boats, bancas, and motorized outriggers. Small vessel operators and fisherfolk in and around Luzon's western and southern coastal waters are strongly advised not to venture out to sea today.
Decoding the Warnings: What Each Alert Level Means for You
PAGASA's forecast tables identify specific threat levels for the areas most affected by Henry and the habagat today. Understanding what these mean can help you make the right decisions. For a complete guide, see how to read PAGASA's weather warnings.
In today's forecast, PAGASA flags the following threat categories:
- Minor threat to life and property (Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan): This means conditions can cause localized flooding in low-lying areas, minor road disruptions, and property damage from strong winds. Stay alert, keep drains clear, and avoid crossing flooded roads or streams.
- Possible flooding and landslides (CALABARZON, Bulacan, eastern Central Luzon): Significant rainfall may saturate the soil and swell rivers. If you live near a riverbank, a hillside, or a flood-prone area, prepare an emergency bag and know your nearest evacuation center.
- Possible flash floods or landslides (Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Palawan): Flash floods can develop within minutes of intense rain, especially in mountainous terrain. Do not attempt to cross flooded rivers or roads on foot or by vehicle.
What It Means for You
Commuters
If you are traveling to or from Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, or any province in the warning zones today, expect flooding on major roads and possible disruption to public transport. Leave earlier than usual, allow extra travel time, and avoid underpasses and low-lying roads where water can accumulate quickly. If floodwater reaches the door of your vehicle, do not attempt to drive through — abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground.
Fisherfolk and Small-Boat Operators
With wave heights of up to 2.8 meters in Luzon's sea areas, going out to sea today poses a serious risk to life for those on small vessels. PAGASA's coastal water warnings are clear: conditions are rough off the coast of Luzon. Stay ashore, secure your boats, and wait for PAGASA to lift any sea travel warnings before heading out.
Farmers
Farmers in Bataan, Zambales, CALABARZON, Western Visayas, and Palawan should protect harvests and livestock from flooding and strong winds. Secure loose materials and structures. If your fields are in low-lying areas near rivers, avoid entering them during peak rainfall hours and monitor drainage conditions closely.
Students, Parents, and School Officials
Classes may be suspended in areas under direct threat from Tropical Depression Henry, particularly in Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, and CALABARZON. Monitor announcements from your local government unit (LGU). If your child's school has not issued a suspension and you have concerns about their safety getting to school, trust your judgment — your child's safety comes first.
Outdoor Workers
Construction workers, delivery riders, street vendors, and others working outdoors in affected areas face a particularly challenging day. Strong winds can make scaffolding, signboards, and temporary structures hazardous. Workers and employers in the warning zones should assess conditions before commencing outdoor activities and halt work if lightning or strong gusts are observed.
Temperature Outlook
PAGASA's recorded data from the previous day shows a maximum temperature of 28.3°C at 5:00 PM and a minimum temperature of 25.5°C at 6:00 AM over Metro Manila. Relative humidity reached a maximum of 95% at 5:00 PM and a minimum of 63% at 1:00 PM the prior day. The rainy and cloudy conditions brought by Henry and the habagat today are expected to keep temperatures on the cooler and more humid side across affected areas, but high humidity can still make conditions feel oppressive — particularly when skies clear briefly between rain bands.
"Tracking the sky, helping the country." — PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, Senator Miriam P. Defensor Santiago Avenue, Brgy. Central, Quezon City
Bottom Line
If you are in Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, CALABARZON, Bulacan, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, or Palawan today — treat this as a day to stay safe at home if possible, avoid flooded areas, and keep updated with PAGASA bulletins. Tropical Depression Henry is close and active, and the Southwest Monsoon is adding to its reach. Do not take unnecessary risks on the road, at sea, or near rivers and hillsides. Conditions can change rapidly.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph
