Tropical Depression Luis Forms East of Luzon; Signal No. 1 Raised Over Several Areas

Excerpt: The low-pressure area east of Luzon developed into Tropical Depression Luis late Saturday, August 1, 2026. Signal No. 1 has been raised over the Polillo Islands and parts of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes. Baguio City and Benguet are not under a wind signal, but stronger winds may affect most of Luzon on Monday due to Luis and the Southwest Monsoon.

The low-pressure area east of Infanta, Quezon developed into Tropical Depression Luis late Saturday, August 1, 2026, according to the 11:00 PM tropical cyclone advisory issued by PAGASA.

The center of Luis was estimated at 360 kilometers east of Daet, Camarines Norte.

Luis had maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kilometers per hour.

The tropical depression was moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the Polillo Islands and northern portions of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes.

Tropical Depression Luis at a Glance

What This Means for Baguio City and Benguet

Baguio City and Benguet are not under a tropical cyclone wind signal as of the 11:00 PM advisory.

Based on PAGASA’s current forecast track, the center of Luis is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea east of Luzon.

However, PAGASA emphasized that the track may still shift within the forecast confidence cone. A westward adjustment could result in Luis making landfall or passing closer to Northern or Central Luzon.

Residents of Baguio City and Benguet should therefore continue monitoring succeeding advisories, especially as the tropical depression approaches the waters east of Central Luzon.

The Southwest Monsoon and the outer circulation of Luis may also bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of Luzon on Monday, August 3.

Because winds may become stronger in exposed upland and mountainous areas, communities along ridges, open roads, elevated locations, construction areas, and places with temporary or lightly built structures should take precautions.

Areas Under Signal No. 1

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is in effect over the following areas:

Polillo Islands

The entire Polillo Islands group is under Signal No. 1.

Northern Camarines Norte

• Daet
• Talisay
• Paracale
• Jose Panganiban
• Capalonga
• Vinzons

Northern Catanduanes

• Pandan
• Caramoran
• Bagamanoc
• Panganiban

No areas in the Visayas or Mindanao are currently under a tropical cyclone wind signal.

What Signal No. 1 Means

Signal No. 1 indicates that winds ranging from 39 to 61 kilometers per hour may be experienced within approximately 36 hours.

Intermittent rain may also be experienced during this period.

PAGASA said minimal to minor wind impacts are possible in areas under Signal No. 1.

Possible effects include:

• Very light or no damage to low-risk structures
• Light damage to structures considered more vulnerable to strong winds
• Slight damage to houses made of light materials in exposed communities
• Broken twigs and small tree branches
• Tilted or damaged banana plants
• Possible damage to rice crops during the flowering stage

Wind conditions may be stronger in exposed coastal and upland areas. Locations protected from the prevailing wind direction may experience weaker winds.

Heavy Rainfall Outlook

PAGASA referred the public to Weather Advisory No. 1 for the detailed heavy rainfall outlook associated with Luis.

The tropical cyclone advisory did not provide specific rainfall amounts for Baguio City, Benguet, or other areas.

Residents should monitor rainfall advisories and warnings issued by PAGASA’s regional weather offices, particularly if prolonged or intense rain begins affecting their locality.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds may still be experienced outside the projected landfall area and outside the cyclone’s forecast path.

Strong Winds From Luis and the Southwest Monsoon

The Southwest Monsoon and the outer circulation of Luis may bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas:

Sunday, August 2

• Marinduque
• Romblon
• Caluya Islands
• Siquijor
• Southern Leyte
• Camiguin
• Dinagat Islands

Monday, August 3

• Most of Luzon
• Most of the Visayas
• Lanao del Norte
• Camiguin
• Surigao del Norte
• Dinagat Islands

The strongest gusts are more likely in exposed coastal, elevated, and mountainous areas.

Forecast Track of Luis

PAGASA said Luis is forecast to slow down while moving west northwestward through Sunday.

It is then expected to turn east northeastward for the remainder of the forecast period.

Under the current forecast, the center of Luis will remain over the Philippine Sea. However, PAGASA warned that a westward shift could result in a landfall or close approach to Northern or Central Luzon.

Forecast Positions

The forecast positions may still change as new weather observations become available.

Luis May Become a Tropical Storm

Luis will likely remain a tropical depression during the next 24 hours.

PAGASA said the cyclone may intensify into a tropical storm by Monday, August 3, while moving over the waters east of Central Luzon.

A weakening trend may begin once Luis starts moving generally northeastward.

The weather system is forecast to weaken into a remnant low by Wednesday, August 5.

Coastal Water Conditions

Moderate to rough seas are expected over parts of southeastern Mindanao during the next 24 hours.

Waves reaching up to 2.5 meters are forecast over:

• Eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental

Waves reaching up to two meters are forecast over:

• Southern seaboard of Davao Oriental
• Southeastern seaboard of Davao Occidental

Operators of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels should take precautionary measures while at sea and avoid sailing whenever possible under these conditions.

Other coastal waters are forecast to have wave heights below two meters.

PAGASA warned that waves may gradually become bigger as a tropical cyclone approaches an area.

Public Safety Reminders

Residents are advised to:

• Monitor the latest PAGASA tropical cyclone advisories and local weather announcements.
• Inspect roofs, windows, walls, and other parts of the house that may require repairs.
• Clean drainage canals and remove materials that may obstruct the flow of water.
• Secure signs, outdoor furniture, plant pots, roofing materials, and other loose objects.
• Charge mobile phones and prepare flashlights, medicines, food, drinking water, and emergency supplies.
• Postpone unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain or strong winds.
• Follow instructions issued by local government and disaster risk reduction offices.
• Harvest crops that are already ready, when it is safe to do so.

Normal activities may continue in areas not directly affected, but residents should remain alert for possible flooding, strong winds, or changes in local weather conditions.

The next tropical cyclone advisory for Luis will be issued by PAGASA at 5:00 AM on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Source: DOST-PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Advisory for Tropical Depression Luis, issued at 11:00 PM on August 1, 2026.