Pagasa: Habagat to bring rains in northern Luzon

Weather specialist Veronica Torres reports that the southwest monsoon, or habagat, is expected to draw rainy weather conditions over the western section of northern Luzon on Saturday, July 18, 2026. — Screengrab from DOST-Pagasa/Facebook MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon, or habagat, is expected to draw rainy weather conditions over the western section of northern Luzon on Saturday, the state weather bureau said. In its 5 a.m. forecast, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of isolated thunderstorms caused by the monsoon in Ilocos Region, Apayao, Abra, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and Zambales. Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms will continue to affect the rest of the country, including Metro Manila. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Pagasa: Fair weather, isolated rain showers until weekend “For now we are not expecting widespread and prolonged rains due to the southwest monsoon, but localized thunderstorms will continue to affect the large part of the country,” Pagasa weather specialist Veronica Torres said. Torres added that the monsoon will likely bring more rains in the coming days. Meantime, no low-pressure area or tropical cyclones is being monitored by state meteorologists. /das Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.