Tropical Storm Maymay (international name Kujira) intensified over the West Philippine Sea early Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and is expected to make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union by afternoon or evening, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA has hoisted Wind Signal No. 2 over parts of Northern Luzon, warning of gale-force winds posing a minor to moderate threat to life and property within 24 hours of the bulletin's issuance.
Storm Location and Movement at 5:00 A.M.
In its 5:00 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA located Maymay's center at 170 kilometers west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union. The storm was moving southeastward slowly, with strong winds extending outward up to 180 kilometers from the center.
Maymay developed from a low pressure area off La Union at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, making it the second tropical cyclone to form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility this month and the 13th for the year.
Wind Signal No. 2 Areas: Gale-Force Winds Expected
PAGASA placed the following areas under Wind Signal No. 2, where gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kilometers per hour are anticipated within 24 hours:
- Central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur, including Vigan and Candon cities
- Northern and central portions of La Union, including San Fernando City
- Northwestern Pangasinan towns of Anda, Bolinao, and Bani
- Southwestern Abra, including Bangued
- Western Mountain Province towns of Besao and Tadian
- Northwestern Benguet, including Mankayan
Wider Signal No. 1 Coverage Across Northern and Central Luzon
Wind Signal No. 1, indicating conditions with a minimal to minor threat, covers a much broader area: Ilocos Norte, the rest of Ilocos Sur, all of La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Mountain Province, and Benguet, as well as Apayao, Kalinga, Ifugao, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya.
Portions of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora are also under Signal No. 1, according to PAGASA.
Landfall Timing and Post-Landfall Track
PAGASA expects Maymay to make landfall over Ilocos Sur or La Union on Wednesday afternoon or evening. After crossing the coastline, the storm will traverse the landmass of Northern and Central Luzon through Thursday, August 6.
The weather bureau projects Maymay will weaken into a tropical depression by Thursday morning. It is expected to degrade further into a low pressure area by Thursday afternoon or evening as it continues inland.
Dangerous Seas Along Western Luzon Seaboard
A gale warning is in effect over the western seaboard of Northern Luzon. PAGASA warned that waves off Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan may reach up to 4.5 meters.
The state weather bureau said sea travel is risky for all types and tonnages of vessels, and directed all mariners to remain in port or seek safe harbor until conditions improve.
Southwest Monsoon to Extend Wind and Rain Across Luzon and Visayas
Beyond the storm's direct path, PAGASA said the Southwest Monsoon interacting with Maymay's periphery will bring strong to gale-force gusts across most of Luzon and the Visayas on Wednesday.
The following Mindanao areas will also experience these conditions: Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
Gusty conditions are expected to persist across most of the country on Thursday and Friday as the storm's remnants and the monsoon continue to affect the archipelago.
PAGASA Flood and Landslide Warning
PAGASA advised residents living in areas highly susceptible to flooding and landslides to monitor updates closely and follow evacuation instructions issued by their respective local government officials.
The weather bureau's next bulletin was scheduled for issuance at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday.
By the Numbers
- 170 km — distance of Maymay's center west northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, as of 5:00 a.m. Wednesday
- 180 km — radius of strong winds extending from the storm's center
- 62–88 kph — gale-force wind speed range under Signal No. 2 areas
- 4.5 meters — maximum wave height off Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan
- 13th — Maymay's ranking as the 13th tropical cyclone to enter or form inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility in 2026
- August 6 — projected date by which the storm weakens into a low pressure area
Why This Matters
Tropical Storm Maymay's imminent landfall poses a direct threat to life and property across densely populated areas of Northern Luzon, including major urban centers such as Vigan, Candon, and San Fernando City, all under Wind Signal No. 2. The combination of gale-force winds, seas reaching 4.5 meters, and monsoon-enhanced rainfall significantly elevates the risk of flooding, landslides, and maritime accidents along the affected coastlines. The storm's influence on the Southwest Monsoon extends hazardous weather conditions well beyond its track, affecting much of Luzon, the Visayas, and several Mindanao provinces simultaneously.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PAGASA