Pagasa officially announced the onset of the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, on May 30, 2026, inching the official arrival of the rainy season in the Philippines.
Typhoon Domeng was located 670 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes on May 31, packing 120 kph maximum winds and enhancing the monsoon to bring rains across western sections of the country.
Weather specialist Ever John Tenio stated that Cebu and Central Visayas will experience generally fair, hot, and humid weather for now, with rainfall driven primarily by sudden localized thunderstorms.
THE state weather bureau Pagasa announced that the country is entering the transition toward rainy season following the onset of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. While some regions will face heavy rains, others can expect hot days mixed with sudden storms.
What this means for Cebu and Central Visayas
According to Pagasa Visayas weather specialist Ever John Tenio on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas will actually experience generally fair and hot weather for now. This is because the rainy season has only just begun.
Residents in the region should expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies, alongside warm and humid conditions. However, sudden localized thunderstorms are still very possible.
Tenio explained how the monsoon behaves across different regions.
“Usually, kining si southwest monsoon predominantly iyang maapektahan is kani dinhi sa western section sa nasud. But in cases na ma-enhance ni siya so naay mga tendencies na muabot ang impact ani ni southwest monsoon sa may Central Visayas,” said Tenio.
(Usually, the southwest monsoon predominantly affects the western section of the country. But in cases when it becomes enhanced, there is a tendency for its impact to reach Central Visayas.)
The weather specialist explained that the monsoon's impact can extend to Central Visayas, including Cebu, when it is enhanced by a tropical cyclone over the northeastern part of the country or within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). These weather systems typically bring cloudy skies and widespread rainfall throughout the day. Pagasa officially announced the onset of Habagat on Saturday, May 30.
Typhoon Domeng's current path
Meanwhile, typhoon Domeng maintained its strength Sunday as it moved north-northwest over the Philippine Sea, east of Batanes. Even though the storm remains far from land, it continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, which is expected to bring rains and strong winds across large parts of the country.
In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa stated that typhoon Domeng was located 670 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes. The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph.
The typhoon was moving north-northwest at 20 kph and is forecast to continue on the same track before recurving toward southern Japan. It will likely exit the PAR by Sunday afternoon without making landfall in the country.
Regional weather and rain warnings
No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal has been raised over any part of the country, and Pagasa noted that hoisting wind signals over extreme northern Luzon is now less likely.
Despite remaining far from land, typhoon Domeng continues to pull the monsoon, bringing rains over the western sections of the country. This includes Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The trough, or extension, of the typhoon is also expected to bring rain showers over parts of Central Luzon, Cagayan and Isabela. Pagasa warned that strong to gale-force gusts may affect Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, much of the Visayas and several areas in Mindanao through the next few days.
Future outlook and safety reminders
Forecasters are also watching for the possible development of a low-pressure area through Wednesday, June 3. This comes alongside another potential weather disturbance over Western Luzon from Thursday, June 4, to June 10.
Tenio said Central Visayas is unlikely to experience direct effects from these weather systems given their current positions. He added that rainfall in the region during the first week of June will most likely be driven by localized thunderstorms.
For travelers, sea travel remains risky in northern Luzon waters, particularly along the coasts of Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Cagayan and Isabela, because of rough sea conditions.
Pagasa advised residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and strong winds to remain alert. Officials emphasize the importance of staying updated on weather advisories and monitoring localized thunderstorms, even during periods of fair weather. (DPC/From PNA)