Typhoon Francisco, known as Mekkhala, intensified late Sunday evening, June 21, as it moved 875 kilometers east of Central Luzon. Its maximum sustained winds increased from 120 km/h to 130 km/h, and gusts reached 160 km/h.
Forecast and Current Conditions
PAGASA indicates that while Francisco is unlikely to make landfall, it might approach extreme Northern Luzon if its path shifts westward. The typhoon is anticipated to enhance the southwest monsoon, leading to heavy rainfall in various regions.
The weather bureau warns of potential heavy rain starting Monday, June 22, or Tuesday, June 23, across parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
Currently, the typhoon's trough is causing scattered rain and thunderstorms in Bicol, while the southwest monsoon brings similar weather to Mindanao, the Visayas, and Palawan. Other areas in Luzon may experience localized thunderstorms.
In preparation for the approaching storm, PAGASA may issue Signal No. 1 for parts of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes by Monday morning.
The southwest monsoon is also generating strong to gale-force winds across various regions, including: PAGASA has also issued warnings for rough seas, particularly on the eastern seaboards of Cagayan and Isabela, where wave heights could reach up to 3 meters.
Francisco marks the Philippines' sixth tropical cyclone for 2026 and is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by June 26.
Additionally, an ongoing low pressure area (LPA) located 2,985 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon is being monitored, though it has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression.