Severe Tropical Storm Gardo (Higos) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday, June 25, but poses no direct threat to the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). While Gardo remains far from land, the southwest monsoon continues to bring rain and gusty conditions to parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Status of Severe Tropical Storm Gardo
Gardo entered PAR at 3 p.m. on Thursday as the Philippines’ seventh tropical cyclone for 2026. By 8 p.m., the storm intensified into a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 115 km/h, PAGASA reported. As of 10 p.m., the storm was located 1,275 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon, moving north-northwest at 30 km/h. Forecasters expect the system to remain well away from the country’s landmass and exit PAR as early as Friday.
Did You Know? Gardo is the third tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility during the month of June 2026.
Impact of the Southwest Monsoon
While Gardo will not affect the country, the southwest monsoon, or habagat, remains the primary weather system influencing the archipelago. PAGASA forecasts moderate to heavy rain between 50 and 100 millimeters for Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro through Friday evening. Additional scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected across Metro Manila, Calabarzon, the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, and parts of the Visayas.
Expert Insight: The transition from the rainy season’s start on June 4 to current conditions highlights the complexity of Philippine weather. While Gardo is a non-factor, the southwest monsoon acts as a persistent secondary hazard, often causing more widespread disruption to daily life than distant typhoons that stay offshore.
Movement of Severe Tropical Storm Francisco
Severe Tropical Storm Francisco (Mekkhala) exited PAR at 7 p.m. on Thursday, according to PAGASA. As of 10 p.m., it was located 705 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, tracking toward Japan’s Ryukyu Islands at 20 km/h. Although Francisco did not make landfall, it previously brought moderate to heavy rain and strong winds to Northern Luzon, peaking as a super typhoon with 185 km/h winds before weakening.
Marine and Coastal Outlook
Small vessels are advised to avoid sailing or exercise extreme caution due to rough sea conditions. PAGASA reports that waves in the seaboard of Batanes could reach up to 3 meters. Meanwhile, moderate seas with waves up to 2.5 meters are expected in the northern and western seaboards of the Babuyan Islands and the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Gardo make landfall in the Philippines?
No. According to PAGASA, Gardo will stay far from the country’s landmass and is expected to exit PAR by Friday.
Is there any storm warning signal raised for Gardo?
No. PAGASA has issued no rainfall or wind warnings related to Gardo as it will not affect the country.
Which areas should expect rain from the southwest monsoon?
Moderate to heavy rain is expected in Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro. Scattered rain and thunderstorms may also affect Metro Manila, Calabarzon, the Ilocos Region, the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas.
How are you and your community preparing for the ongoing southwest monsoon season?
