MANILA, August 31, 2026 — Much of the Philippines woke up Monday to a threatening weather combination: Tropical Depression "PILANDOK" churning east of Northern Luzon, and a fully active southwest monsoon battering the western half of the country with heavy to intense rainfall. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its 24-hour public weather forecast at 4:00 AM today, valid until 4:00 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, warning residents from the Ilocos Region down to Western Visayas to prepare for a wet and potentially hazardous day.
What Is Driving Today's Weather?
Two systems are at work simultaneously, according to PAGASA.
The first is Tropical Depression "PILANDOK," located approximately 1,120 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon (at 20°N, 132°E) as of 8:00 AM today. PILANDOK carries maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near its center and gusts of up to 70 km/h, and is nearly stationary — meaning it is not moving away quickly and will continue to influence weather patterns over the eastern seaboard of the country through the forecast period.
The second driver is the southwest monsoon, known in Filipino as "habagat." Think of habagat as the seasonal wind that blows from the southwest between roughly June and September, carrying moisture-laden air off the South China Sea directly into the western coast of Luzon and the western portions of the Visayas. When a tropical cyclone sits to the east of the Philippines — as PILANDOK does today — it can intensify and expand the reach of the habagat, pushing heavy rain deeper inland and for longer periods than usual. That is exactly what PAGASA says is happening today.
PAGASA also notes that Tropical Depression SAODEL — now outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility — was last tracked approximately 160 km west-northwest of Extreme Northern Luzon, moving northward at 15 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 95 km/h and gusts of up to 115 km/h. While SAODEL is no longer within PAR, its proximity to the northern tip of the country may still contribute to unsettled seas in that vicinity.
Region-by-Region Forecast
Northern and Central Luzon
The Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Cagayan Valley are in for a particularly wet day. PAGASA forecasts heavy to intense rainfall over these areas, driven directly by the southwest monsoon. Residents and local government units in these provinces should monitor water levels in rivers and low-lying areas, as heavy and prolonged rainfall raises the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous parts of CAR.
Further south, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON will experience cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain and thunderstorms. PAGASA specifically identifies the southwest monsoon as the cause of heavy rain expected over Metro Manila and Bulacan. Commuters in the capital region should brace for traffic disruptions and possible urban flooding in low-lying streets and underpasses.
Southern Luzon and Mimaropa
Mimaropa (which covers Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, and nearby islands) and Bicol Region can expect cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms. The southwest monsoon continues to affect these areas, though rainfall here is described as scattered rather than widespread — still enough to cause localized flooding, especially in coastal and low-elevation communities.
The rest of Luzon — provinces not explicitly called out above — will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, likely in the afternoon or evening as daytime heating kicks in.
Visayas
The Visayas region sees a split forecast today. Western Visayas — including Negros Island Region — bears the brunt of the southwest monsoon, with PAGASA forecasting cloudy skies and scattered to widespread rain and thunderstorms. Residents in coastal barangays of Panay, Negros, and nearby islands should be especially cautious, as rough coastal waters compound the rain risk.
Eastern Visayas and the rest of the Visayas (areas not on the western-facing coast) will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Conditions are less severe here, though afternoon thunderstorms remain possible.
Mindanao
PAGASA forecasts that Mindanao and the eastern sections of Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms — primarily driven by localized weather disturbances rather than the monsoon directly. This means most of Mindanao should see a relatively drier day compared to Luzon and Western Visayas, though residents should still watch for afternoon downpours, particularly in elevated areas.
Decoding the Warnings: What Each Level Means for You
PAGASA's forecast today does not explicitly state color-coded rainfall warnings or tropical cyclone wind signals in the raw bulletin data available as of this report. However, the agency clearly flags heavy to intense rainfall over Northern Luzon and Metro Manila, and moderate to rough coastal waters over the Luzon seaboard — both of which carry real safety implications.
If you are unsure how PAGASA's warning system works — including what heavy versus intense rainfall means, and how gale warnings affect mariners — read our guide on how to read PAGASA's weather warnings so you know exactly when to act and what to do.
For coastal waters specifically, PAGASA classifies Luzon seas as moderate to rough today, with winds coming from the southwest. Rough seas are dangerous for small and bancas-class vessels and can be hazardous even for medium-sized boats navigating exposed channels.
What It Means for You
Commuters
If you live in or travel through Metro Manila, Bulacan, the Ilocos Region, or CAR, leave early and prepare for rain-related delays. Urban flooding is likely in low-lying areas during and after heavy downpours. Keep rain gear on hand and avoid flooded roads — even shallow floodwater can conceal open manholes or strong currents.
Fisherfolk and Small-Boat Operators
PAGASA describes Luzon coastal waters as moderate to rough today, with southwest winds. Small vessel operators — including fishermen using bancas — are strongly advised to stay in port or in sheltered waters. Conditions may deteriorate further if the southwest monsoon intensifies. Do not attempt open-sea fishing along the western coasts of Luzon and Visayas today.
Farmers
Farmers in Ilocos, CAR, and Cagayan Valley should secure crops and equipment before the rain intensifies. Prolonged heavy rain can waterlog fields and damage rice and vegetable crops nearing harvest. In areas already receiving successive days of rain, check drainage and avoid activities on unstable slopes.
Students and Parents
Parents in Metro Manila, Bulacan, CALABARZON, and Western Visayas should monitor announcements from local government units and the Department of Education regarding class suspensions. Heavy rain and possible flooding in the morning hours — when students typically travel to school — may prompt suspension orders. Check your LGU's official channels before heading out.
Outdoor and Construction Workers
Workers in exposed outdoor environments in Northern and Central Luzon face increased risk from gusty winds accompanying the monsoon rains. Scaffolding, temporary structures, and materials should be secured. Employers are encouraged to monitor conditions and allow flexible scheduling during the heaviest rain periods.
Temperature and Humidity Outlook
PAGASA's data for the 24-hour period ending yesterday evening recorded a maximum temperature of 32.0°C and a minimum of 25.4°C at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) station in Manila. Relative humidity ranged from a minimum of 65% to a high of 94%. While these figures reflect the previous observation period, they provide a baseline: expect similar or slightly cooler daytime temperatures in Metro Manila today due to increased cloud cover and rain. Areas away from the direct path of monsoon rains — particularly inland Mindanao — may see warmer, more humid conditions through midday.
Tides and Astronomical Information
For Manila Bay, PAGASA notes a high tide at 5:20 PM today and a low tide at 6:24 AM. With heavy monsoon rain expected, coastal communities around Manila Bay and similar low-lying shoreline areas should be aware that high tides combined with runoff from rain can worsen localized flooding, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Sunrise today is at approximately 5:50 AM and sunset at 6:08 PM, per PAGASA's astronomical data for Manila.
Bottom Line
Bottom line: The southwest monsoon, energized by Tropical Depression PILANDOK to the east, is the main threat today — especially for residents of Ilocos, CAR, Metro Manila, Bulacan, CALABARZON, Mimaropa, Bicol, and Western Visayas. If you are in these areas, do not dismiss the heavy rain forecast as routine. Avoid flood-prone routes, stay off the water if you operate small vessels, and keep children home if local authorities call for class suspensions. The single most important thing you can do today is check your LGU's official announcements before leaving the house — conditions can deteriorate quickly when the monsoon and a tropical depression work in tandem.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph