Baguio City residents and visitors are advised to prepare for gusty conditions and possible rainfall as Super Typhoon Francisco (international name: Mekkhala) continues to loom over the Philippine Sea, significantly enhancing the Southwest Monsoon.
According to Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 10, issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 5:00 AM on June 23, 2026, Super Typhoon Francisco was last located approximately 410 kilometers East of Aparri, Cagayan. The typhoon maintains its formidable strength with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (km/h) near its center and gustiness of up to 230 km/h. Its central pressure is recorded at 940 hPa.
Currently, Francisco is moving west-northwestward at a slow pace of 10 km/h, with its strong to typhoon-force winds extending outwards up to 360 km from its center. While the super typhoon is not expected to make landfall over Luzon, its expansive wind field, combined with its slow progression, will continue to influence weather patterns across the archipelago. PAGASA forecasts indicate a gradual shift in its track, moving north-northwest then northeast, progressively weakening as it is projected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a Severe Tropical Storm by early morning of June 27.
For Baguio City and the broader Luzon area, the primary concern stems from the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and the typhoon’s periphery. PAGASA warns that strong to gale-force gusts are expected across most of Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao from today, June 23, until Thursday, June 25. These conditions are particularly pronounced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds – a key consideration for the elevated terrain of Baguio.
Although Baguio is not under any Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS), TCWS No. 1 has been hoisted over Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan (specifically Gonzaga and Santa Ana), and the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands (including Babuyan Is., Didicas Is., and Camiguin Is.). Residents in these areas can expect strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h within 36 hours, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property.
PAGASA also noted a heavy rainfall outlook linked to both Super Typhoon Francisco and the Southwest Monsoon. Baguio residents should remain vigilant against potential localized flooding or landslides, especially with the combination of strong winds and rain.
Authorities urge everyone in Baguio and surrounding regions to stay updated with the latest weather bulletins from PAGASA, secure loose outdoor items, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety during this period of enhanced monsoon activity.
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