PAGASA bares new roster of cyclone names

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) will use a new roster of tropical cyclone names for 2026, as it reported the prevailing weather systems and a possibility of one tropical cyclone developing or entering the Philippine area of responsibility this month.

For 2026, PAGASA will use Set II of its domestic cyclone names, in the alphabetical order from A to Z, excluding the letter X.

The list includes Ada, Basyang, Caloy, Domeng, Ester, Francisco, Gardo, Henry, Inday, Josie, Kiyapo, Luis, Maymay, Neneng, Obet, Pilandok, Queenie, Rosal, Samuel, Tomas, Umbertoa, Venus, Waldo, Yayang and Zeny.

PAGASA noted that the names Ada, Francisco, Kiyapo and Pilandok will replace Agaton, Florita, Karding and Paeng, which were retired after inflicting widespread damage in 2022.

Under agency guidelines, a tropical cyclone name is retired if it causes at least 300 deaths or inflicts P1 billion or more in damage to homes, agriculture and infrastructure, according to data from the Office of Civil Defense. 

Names may also be retired when several storms hit in quick succession, intensifying their combined impact.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said that up to one tropical cyclone might form or enter the country this month, with a potential track toward Eastern Visayas or the Caraga region, although it could also veer away from the country.

PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or amihan continues to affect Northern and Central Luzon, while easterlies are prevailing over large portions of the country.

Despite the absence of a weather disturbance, the state bureau said the interaction between the cold amihan winds and the warm, humid easterlies may lead to the formation of a shear line, which is expected to influence weather conditions later in the day.

The agency said the shear line could bring a higher chance of rain over Southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas, potentially resulting in heavy to intense rainfall that may trigger flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.

PAGASA warned of rough sea conditions, particularly along the coastal waters of Batanes, making it risky for small seacraft to venture out.