Typhoon Francisco Enhances Southwest Monsoon, Bringing Gusty Winds to Baguio and Most of Luzon
Residents and visitors in Baguio City and across Luzon are advised to brace for strong to gale-force winds in the coming days, as Typhoon FRANCISCO (MEKKHALA) continues to track northwestward over the Philippine Sea. While the typhoon’s center remains distant from mainland Luzon, its periphery, combined with the Southwest Monsoon, will significantly impact weather conditions.
As of 5:00 PM on June 23, 2026, Typhoon FRANCISCO was located approximately 330 km East of Calayan, Cagayan. It currently packs maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near its center, with gusts reaching up to 215 km/h, and is moving northwestward at 10 km/h. Strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 360 km from its eye.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been hoisted over Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan (Gonzaga, Santa Ana), and the eastern portion of Babuyan Islands. These areas can expect strong winds ranging from 39 to 61 km/h, posing minimal to minor threats to life and property.
However, the more widespread impact, particularly for Baguio and other parts of Luzon, will come from the enhanced Southwest Monsoon. PAGASA forecasts that the combined effects of FRANCISCO and the monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over most of Luzon for three consecutive days:
- June 23 (Today): Most of Luzon, Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
- June 24 (Tomorrow): Most of Luzon, Visayas, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
- June 25 (Thursday): Most of Luzon, Panay Island, Negros Occidental, and Northern Samar.
These gusty conditions are expected to be more pronounced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds, which includes Baguio City’s elevated terrain. While the specific rainfall outlook is detailed in a separate weather advisory, the presence of the Southwest Monsoon suggests the possibility of associated rainfall. Local authorities and residents are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions against these strong winds.
Typhoon FRANCISCO is projected to continue its general northwestward to north-northeastward movement, gradually weakening as it moves further away. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by early morning on June 26, 2026, about 700 km Northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
The public is reminded to monitor official bulletins from PAGASA for the latest updates and advisories regarding Typhoon FRANCISCO and its effects.
