Severe Tropical Storm Francisco is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to PAGASA’s first tropical cyclone bulletin issued late Saturday evening.
Severe Tropical Storm Francisco, internationally known as Mekkhala, is now inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to DOST-PAGASA’s Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 1 issued at 11:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
As of 10:00 PM, the center of Severe Tropical Storm Francisco was estimated at 1,295 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon.
Francisco has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour near the center, gustiness of up to 115 kilometers per hour, and a central pressure of 990 hPa.
It is moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour. Strong to storm-force winds extend outward up to 420 kilometers from the center.
PAGASA said no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is currently hoisted in any part of the country.
However, based on the latest forecast track, the hoisting of Wind Signal No. 1 over the northern and eastern portions of Northern Luzon is not ruled out.
This will depend on Francisco’s track in the next bulletins.
PAGASA said Francisco is less likely to directly affect the country’s weather conditions in the next 24 hours.
However, the Southwest Monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over some areas, especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds.
On Sunday, June 21, strong to gale-force gusts may affect Siquijor, Camiguin, and the southern portions of Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Sarangani.
On Monday, June 22, strong to gale-force gusts may affect Romblon, most of Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.
PAGASA said moderate seas of up to 2 meters may be experienced over the eastern seaboards of Dinagat Islands, Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea. PAGASA also advised them to avoid navigation under these conditions if possible.
Other coastal waters are expected to have wave heights of less than 2 meters.
PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Francisco will remain over the Philippine Sea throughout the forecast period.
It is forecast to move west-northwestward until Tuesday, June 23, before slowing down and recurving north-northeastward for the rest of the forecast period.
Francisco is expected to continue intensifying and may reach typhoon category by Sunday, June 21.
PAGASA said it may further intensify over the Philippine Sea and reach its peak intensity by Monday, June 22. A weakening trend is expected afterward.
The public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to continue monitoring updates and to take necessary measures to protect life and property.
Residents in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 5:00 AM on Sunday, June 21.
Source: DOST-PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 1, issued 11:00 PM, June 20, 2026
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