Meta Pixel Typhoon Francisco Threatens Luzon; Monsoon Soaks Visayas and Mindanao — Monday, June 22, 2026 | Kuryente News

Typhoon Francisco Threatens Luzon; Monsoon Soaks Visayas and Mindanao — Monday, June 22, 2026

Typhoon Francisco is 725 km east of Cagayan and closing in on June 22, 2026, while a strengthening southwest monsoon drives heavy rain across Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan.

Typhoon Francisco Threatens Luzon; Monsoon Soaks Visayas and Mindanao — Monday, June 22, 2026
PAGASA — Image: Kuryente News

QUEZON CITY, June 22, 2026 — Millions of Filipinos across the archipelago are facing a two-front weather threat today as Typhoon Francisco barrels toward Luzon from the east while a robust southwest monsoon drenches Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan with heavy rain, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In its 4:00 AM bulletin issued on June 22, 2026, PAGASA placed the center of Typhoon "Francisco" — known internationally as Mekkhala — at approximately 725 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The storm is carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h near its center and gustiness of up to 170 km/h. It is moving west-northwestward at a relatively fast 30 km/h, and its track puts the eastern and northern portions of Luzon in its projected path.

What Is Driving Today's Weather?

Two separate weather systems are at work across the country today, and understanding both helps explain why nearly every part of the Philippines is seeing unsettled skies.

Typhoon Francisco is a mature tropical cyclone — a large, organized system of rotating thunderstorms drawing energy from warm ocean waters. Packing 140 km/h sustained winds and located less than 750 kilometers from Cagayan and closing fast at 30 km/h, it is already generating dangerous wave conditions along the eastern coast of Luzon even before making any direct landfall.

The southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, is a seasonal wind pattern that flows from the southwest toward the Philippine landmass every wet season. When a nearby typhoon intensifies or moves closer, it can supercharge the habagat by funneling more moisture and energy into the seasonal flow — resulting in heavier, more widespread rainfall across western-facing and southern areas of the country. Today, the habagat is directly responsible for the extensive cloud cover and rain affecting Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan.

Region-by-Region Forecast for June 22, 2026

Eastern Luzon

The eastern section of Luzon — the side directly facing Typhoon Francisco — is bearing the brunt of the storm's outer effects. PAGASA forecasts moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to northwest in this area. Coastal waters are moderate to rough, with wave heights ranging from 1.2 to 3.1 meters. These are conditions dangerous to all types of small watercraft. Residents in coastal communities and low-lying areas along eastern Luzon — particularly in the Cagayan Valley region, Aurora, and Quezon province — should stay alert for any additional advisories as Francisco continues its westward approach.

Metro Manila and the Rest of Luzon

For Metro Manila and the portions of Luzon not yet in the direct path of Francisco, PAGASA expects partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, driven by localized thunderstorm activity rather than the typhoon itself. While conditions here are less severe than in the east, PAGASA warns that severe thunderstorms are still capable of producing flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas with steep terrain or poor drainage.

Winds over the rest of Luzon will be light to moderate, coming from the southwest, with coastal waters classified as slight to moderate — wave heights of 0.6 to 2.5 meters. Although seas are generally calmer here compared to the eastern seaboard, small boat operators should still exercise caution.

Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan

These three areas are under the full influence of the southwest monsoon today. PAGASA forecasts cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. The agency specifically warns of possible flash floods and landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall that may persist or intensify at times.

This is not a brief shower situation. Scattered rains driven by the habagat can linger for hours and affect broad swaths of territory simultaneously, particularly on the western flanks of islands like Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Mindanao, and across the entirety of Palawan. Residents in landslide-prone mountainous areas and communities near rivers and creeks should be especially vigilant.

Winds across Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan are light to moderate, blowing from the northwest to west. Coastal water conditions are slight to moderate, with wave heights of 0.6 to 1.8 meters.

Decoding the Warnings: What Each Hazard Means for You

PAGASA's bulletin identifies two key hazard categories active today: the approaching typhoon and monsoon-driven rainfall hazards. Not sure how warning levels work? Read our guide on how to read PAGASA's weather warnings for a full explanation of rainfall color codes, tropical cyclone wind signals, and more.

Flash flood and landslide risk (Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan, and parts of Luzon): PAGASA's bulletin explicitly flags the potential for flash floods and landslides in both the monsoon-affected south and in areas of Luzon exposed to severe thunderstorms. A flash flood can develop within minutes of intense rainfall, particularly in urban areas with clogged drainage and in communities near rivers. A landslide risk means that hillside and mountainside communities may see sudden soil movement, especially where ground is already saturated from previous rains. If you live in an identified landslide-prone or flood-prone area and your local government issues an evacuation order, leave immediately.

Rough to moderate seas (Eastern Luzon): Wave heights of 1.2 to 3.1 meters along the eastern coast of Luzon are categorized as moderate to rough. These conditions are hazardous for small fishing boats, bancas, and even medium-sized vessels. PAGASA advises those in affected coastal areas to take precautionary measures and to monitor further advisories as Typhoon Francisco continues to approach.

What Today's Weather Means for You

Commuters

In Metro Manila and across Luzon, isolated thunderstorms could cause sudden, intense downpours that flood low-lying streets and disrupt traffic. Allow extra travel time, avoid underpasses during heavy rain, and check your local government's social media pages for any flood advisories before heading out. In Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan, expect wetter and more disruptive commutes throughout the day as scattered rains from the habagat are likely to persist.

Fisherfolk and Small Boat Operators

PAGASA's forecast is a clear signal for those planning to head out to sea along the eastern coast of Luzon: do not depart. Waves of 1.2 to 3.1 meters pose a serious capsizing risk for small and medium watercraft. Even in the calmer waters around the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan — where waves are 0.6 to 1.8 meters — conditions should be treated with caution, and fishers should stay close to shore and monitor updates throughout the day.

Farmers

Heavy and persistent rain across Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan could waterlog fields and damage standing crops. Farmers in lowland areas should check drainage systems around their fields. In Luzon, those in areas prone to flash floods should secure harvested produce and equipment. As Typhoon Francisco's track becomes clearer in the coming hours, farmers in northern and eastern Luzon should prepare to protect their crops and livestock.

Students, Parents, and School Administrators

With scattered to widespread rains affecting most of the country, parents should monitor class suspension announcements from local government units in their area, particularly across Visayas, Mindanao, Palawan, and eastern Luzon. Class suspension decisions are made at the local government level, and conditions could change quickly as Francisco moves closer to Luzon.

Outdoor Workers and Construction Personnel

Workers at outdoor job sites — construction, agriculture, telecommunications, and utilities — face elevated risk today, particularly in areas hit by the southwest monsoon. Lightning during thunderstorms is a significant hazard. Supervisors should have a clear plan to shelter workers quickly if thunderstorms develop, and should avoid scheduling work at elevation or near bodies of water during peak afternoon storm hours.

Temperature Outlook

Despite the widespread rain and cloud cover across much of the country, the heat in Metro Manila and nearby areas remains significant. PAGASA's Science Garden weather station in Diliman, Quezon City recorded a maximum temperature of 35.0°C at 2:00 PM yesterday and a minimum of 26.6°C at 5:00 AM, with relative humidity ranging from 52% to 89%. The combination of high temperature and high humidity — particularly in the morning hours — can produce uncomfortable and potentially health-stressing conditions even on overcast days. Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

Tidal and Astronomical Information for Metro Manila

For Metro Manila, PAGASA and NAMRIA (National Mapping and Resource Information Authority) note a high tide of 0.93 meters at 3:24 PM today and a low tide of 0.28 meters at 10:56 PM. Sunset is at 6:28 PM, with sunrise tomorrow at 5:28 AM. The moon is currently at 56% illumination.

Bottom line: Typhoon Francisco is a fast-moving and powerful storm closing in on eastern Luzon — residents in the Cagayan Valley and along the eastern seaboard must monitor PAGASA updates closely and prepare now. Meanwhile, if you are in Visayas, Mindanao, or Palawan, the southwest monsoon is already bringing serious flood and landslide conditions today — stay away from swollen rivers, avoid travel in mountainous areas, and follow any evacuation orders from local authorities without delay.

Monitor official PAGASA updates at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

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