Tropical Depression Josie, the Philippines’ 10th tropical cyclone for 2026, weakened into a low pressure area (LPA) at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, just 13 and a half hours after entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the system remains far from the country and is expected to dissipate over the Philippine Sea due to unfavorable environmental conditions.
Status of Josie and Regional Weather Impacts
As of 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the remnants of Josie were located 1,125 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon. While the system is moving north-northeastward, it is not expected to affect the country, according to PAGASA’s final bulletin. A separate tropical depression, located 940 kilometers west-northwest of extreme Northern Luzon near Guangdong, China, is also moving away from the PAR at 20 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h.
Weather Specialist Benison Estareja stated that this second system has no direct impact on the Philippines. Instead, the tropical depression is diverting monsoon clouds toward China, limiting the southwest monsoon’s reach. While most of the country will experience fair weather, isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are possible in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra.
Did You Know? Josie was the third tropical cyclone to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility during the month of July 2026.
Maritime Safety and Gale Warnings
PAGASA has issued warnings for moderate to rough sea conditions over the next 24 hours. Small vessels are advised not to venture out to sea in areas where waves are expected to reach up to 3 meters, including the western seaboards of the Babuyan Islands, the northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Sur, and the seaboards of Ilocos Norte.
Additional moderate to rough conditions with waves up to 2.5 meters are anticipated for the northwestern seaboard of Pangasinan, the northern and western seaboards of Batanes, the seaboard of La Union, the northern seaboard of the Babuyan Islands, and the remaining seaboards of Ilocos Sur. Lower, but still potentially hazardous, sea conditions are expected across other coastal regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tropical Depression Josie still a threat to the Philippines?
No. Josie weakened into an LPA shortly after entering the PAR and is expected to dissipate over the Philippine Sea due to unfavorable conditions.
Is the southwest monsoon (habagat) causing heavy rain across the country?
The southwest monsoon is not significantly impacting the country because monsoon clouds are being diverted toward a tropical depression near China. Only Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra may see isolated rain or thunderstorms.
Are there any gale warnings currently in effect?
Yes. PAGASA has warned that small vessels should avoid sailing in areas with rough seas reaching up to 3 meters, specifically around the Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
Are you concerned about the potential for further weather disturbances as the monsoon season continues?
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