The rainy season has officially arrived in the Philippines, as the state weather bureau Pagasa declared the onset of the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, on May 30, 2026. This shift in weather patterns brings varied conditions across the country, with some regions expecting heavy rains while others, including Cebu and Central Visayas, will experience generally fair and hot weather interspersed with sudden thunderstorms.
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 experience generally fair and hot weather for now, as the rainy season has only just begun. Residents should expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies, warm and humid conditions, and the possibility of sudden localized thunderstorms.
Tenio explained that the southwest monsoon predominantly affects the western section of the country. However, when enhanced by tropical cyclones over the northeastern part of the country or within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), its impact can extend to Central Visayas, including Cebu. These weather systems typically bring cloudy skies and widespread rainfall throughout the day.
Typhoon Domeng's current path
Typhoon Domeng maintained its strength on Sunday as it moved north-northwest over the Philippine Sea, east of Batanes. Despite remaining far from land, the storm continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing rains and strong winds across large parts of the country. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa reported that Typhoon Domeng was located 670 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center and gusts of up to 150 kph. The typhoon is moving north-northwest at 20 kph and is forecast to recurve toward southern Japan, exiting the PAR by Sunday afternoon without making landfall.
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 its distance, Typhoon Domeng continues to pull the monsoon, bringing rains over western sections of the country, including Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The trough 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 over the next few days.
Future outlook and safety reminders
Forecasters are monitoring the possible development of a low-pressure area by Wednesday, June 3, along with 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 systems given their current positions, and 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, due to rough sea conditions. Pagasa advised residents in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and strong winds to remain alert and stay updated on weather advisories, even during periods of fair weather.
