MANILA, August 5, 2026 — Tropical Storm MAYMAY is bearing down on Luzon today, Wednesday, August 5, posing a direct threat to millions of Filipinos across Northern and Central Luzon. PAGASA, which issued this forecast at 4:00 AM, warns that stormy weather, flash floods, and landslides are likely across several provinces, while the Southwest Monsoon simultaneously pushes rain into Southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas. The rest of the country can expect unsettled but less severe conditions.
A second typhoon, DOLPHIN, is also being tracked at 1,246 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, but it remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is not directly affecting local weather at this time.
What Is Driving Today's Weather?
Tropical Storm MAYMAY (internationally known as KUJIRA) was located 170 kilometers west of Bacnotan, La Union, as of 3:00 AM today, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gusts reaching up to 80 km/h. The system is moving slowly in a southeastward direction, meaning it is not racing away from populated areas — the slow movement will prolong rainfall and wind exposure for communities in its path.
A tropical storm is an organized, rotating weather system over the ocean that draws its energy from warm sea surface temperatures. As it moves, it drags with it a wide band of thick clouds, heavy rain, and strong winds — conditions that can persist for many hours across affected provinces, raising the risk of rivers overflowing, slopes giving way, and coastal waters turning dangerous.
At the same time, PAGASA notes that the Southwest Monsoon — locally called habagat — is affecting Southern Luzon and the western sections of the Visayas. The habagat is the seasonal flow of moisture-laden winds from the southwest that typically intensifies when a tropical cyclone is nearby, amplifying rainfall even in areas not directly under the storm's path.
Region-by-Region Forecast
Northern Luzon — Stormy Conditions
The most dangerous weather today is concentrated in Northern Luzon, directly in the path of Tropical Storm MAYMAY. Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte face stormy conditions with at times intense rain and strong to storm-force winds. PAGASA warns of minor to significant threats to life and property in these areas. Residents should not be outdoors unless absolutely necessary, and those in low-lying or mountainous areas face active risks of flooding and landslides.
Central Luzon and Metro Manila — Cloudy, Rainy, and Gusty
The rest of Cagayan Valley and Aurora can expect cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain and gusty winds — conditions still hazardous enough to disrupt travel and outdoor activity. Metro Manila is similarly forecast for cloudy skies with scattered to widespread rain and gusty winds, with possible flash floods or landslides given the sustained rainfall expected throughout the day.
Southern Luzon — Monsoon-Enhanced Rain
CALABARZON, Occidental Mindoro, Mimaropa, and the Bicol Region fall under the combined influence of MAYMAY and the Southwest Monsoon, producing cloudy conditions with scattered to widespread rain and gusty winds. Flash floods and landslides remain possible in these areas as well, particularly in low-lying communities and along slopes. Residents in Bicol, which is historically prone to flooding, should monitor water levels closely.
Visayas — Monsoon Brings Rain to Western Areas
The western sections of the Visayas are being affected by the Southwest Monsoon, bringing cloudiness and rain. Eastern Visayas and other parts of the region can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms — localized but still worth monitoring, especially if you are planning outdoor or sea-based activities.
Mindanao — Mostly Unsettled but Calmer
Mindanao is not directly under the influence of Tropical Storm MAYMAY, but the general forecast calls for partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms — typical of localized convective activity. While conditions are far less severe than in Luzon, residents should still remain alert to the possibility of sudden downpours, particularly in the afternoon.
Wind and Coastal Water Conditions
PAGASA's forecast for wind and sea conditions paints a picture of elevated risk for mariners across much of the country today:
- Extreme Northern Luzon: Moderate to strong winds from the northeast; rough to very rough seas.
- The rest of Coastal Luzon: Moderate to strong winds from the northeast; moderate to rough seas.
- Southern Luzon and western Visayas: Moderate to strong winds from the southwest; moderate to rough seas.
- Visayas (general): Light to moderate winds; slight to moderate seas.
- Mindanao: Light to moderate winds from the southwest; slight to moderate seas (wave heights around 2.25 meters).
Decoding the Warnings: What Each Alert Level Means
PAGASA's forecast indicates stormy conditions with active threats to life and property in Northern Luzon, as well as flash flood and landslide risks extending into Central and Southern Luzon. If you are unfamiliar with how PAGASA structures its weather warning system — including tropical cyclone wind signals, rainfall color-coded alerts, and gale warnings — read our guide on how to read PAGASA's weather warnings for a plain-language breakdown of every level and what action each one requires.
In practical terms for today: the forecast language of "minor to significant threat to life and property" in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte means real, immediate danger. Strong to storm-force winds can uproot trees, damage structures, and make driving extremely hazardous. "Possible flash floods or landslides" in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Mimaropa, and Bicol means that even areas not in the storm's core can experience sudden, life-threatening flooding if rain accumulates rapidly over several hours.
"Its moving Southeastward slowly," PAGASA noted in its 4:00 AM bulletin — a key detail, because a slow-moving storm dumps far more rain on any given location than a fast-moving one, significantly increasing flood and landslide risk.
What It Means for You
Commuters
If you are traveling anywhere in Luzon today — especially in the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, and Metro Manila — expect heavy rain, reduced visibility, and gusty winds that can make driving dangerous. Roads in mountainous areas of Benguet and Mountain Province are at high risk of landslides. Allow significantly more travel time, avoid flood-prone underpasses and low-lying roads, and do not attempt to cross flooded roads on foot or by vehicle. If your area is under a flash flood advisory, delay travel until conditions improve.
Fisherfolk and Small-Boat Operators
Conditions at sea today are genuinely dangerous for small and medium-sized vessels across most of Luzon's coastlines. Rough to very rough seas off extreme Northern Luzon and moderate to rough seas along the rest of Luzon's coast mean that small boats should not venture out. Even in Mindanao, wave heights of around 2.25 meters are challenging for small bancas. PAGASA strongly advises all fisherfolk to stay ashore and wait for conditions to improve before returning to open water.
Farmers
Farmers in Northern Luzon face the most immediate risk today. Storm-force winds and intense rain can flatten standing crops and cause severe erosion. If livestock are kept outdoors in Ilocos, Pangasinan, Benguet, or Mountain Province, move them to secure shelter now. Farmers in Southern Luzon and Bicol should also monitor drainage in their fields, as the combination of monsoon rain and MAYMAY's outer bands can lead to waterlogging and crop damage.
Students, Parents, and Schools
Classes in areas experiencing stormy conditions — particularly in Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte — may be suspended. Parents should monitor local government announcements closely and avoid sending children to school if roads in their area are flooded or if gusty winds are already present. Even in Metro Manila, the forecast of widespread rain and gusty winds warrants caution during the morning school rush.
Outdoor Workers and Construction Sites
Storm-force winds in Northern Luzon are a direct hazard for anyone working outdoors — from construction workers to utility crews. Work at height (scaffolding, poles, rooftops) should be suspended in all areas experiencing gusty to storm-force winds. Employers in affected provinces should implement safety protocols and, where necessary, stand down outdoor teams until conditions improve.
Temperature Outlook
PAGASA's bulletin does not list specific temperature ranges for today's forecast period, which is consistent with storm conditions that tend to suppress daytime heat across affected areas. Overcast skies and persistent rain across much of Luzon will keep temperatures cooler than usual for this time of year, though high humidity will still make conditions feel uncomfortable. Mindanao and the eastern Visayas, which are farther from the storm's influence, may see warmer afternoon temperatures where skies clear.
Bottom Line
If you are in Northern Luzon — particularly Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Norte — stay indoors, move away from flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, and do not go to sea. Tropical Storm MAYMAY is slow-moving, which means the rain and wind will last longer than in a typical fast-passing storm. Residents across the rest of Luzon, including Metro Manila, should also brace for a wet, gusty, and disruptive Wednesday, with flash floods and landslides a real possibility. The most important thing you can do right now is know your evacuation route and monitor your local government's official announcements.
Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.