43 provinces posted above normal rainfall from February 1-22 — PAGASA

The first weeks of 2026 saw sharp rainfall contrasts across the country, with Northern Luzon experiencing dry conditions in January while much of the Philippines turned wetter in February, the state weather bureau PAGASA reported Wednesday.

Presenting the January–February 2026 climate review during the 193rd Climate Forum, PAGASA said rainfall distribution shifted significantly within just weeks.

January: Dry conditions in Northern Luzon

In January 2026, rainfall was generally below average across much of Northern Luzon.

According to PAGASA’s rainfall assessment, the breakdown showed:

• 34 provinces — above normal rainfall
• 11 provinces — near normal
• 25 provinces — below normal
• 15 provinces — way below normal

PAGASA noted that generally way below- to below-normal rainfall conditions prevailed in most parts of Northern Luzon, particularly areas in Cagayan Valley and Apayao.

In contrast, Central Luzon and parts of the Visayas recorded near- to above-normal rainfall, underscoring uneven distribution nationwide.

February 1–22: Wet conditions in 43 provinces

Rainfall patterns changed in the first three weeks of February.

From February 1 to 22, PAGASA recorded the following:

• 43 provinces — above normal rainfall
• 20 provinces — near normal
• 11 provinces — below normal
• 11 provinces — way below normal

The increase in provinces experiencing above-normal rainfall suggests strengthening weather disturbances and monsoon-related systems during the period.

Multiple weather systems at play

PAGASA said the weather systems that affected the country were the following:

• Northeast Monsoon (Amihan)
• Shear line
• Easterlies
• Intertropical Convergence Zone 
• Localized thunderstorms
• Low Pressure Areas
• Tropical cyclones

Two tropical cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility during the review period:

• Tropical Storm Ada — January 14 to 21
• Tropical Storm Basyang  — February 3 to 7

Based on the TC track and rainfall, affected regions included parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao.

Temperatures steady despite rainfall shifts

Despite rainfall variability, temperatures remained largely within seasonal expectations.

January:

• Highest: 35.4°C (Zamboanga City, January 27)
• Lowest: 10.6°C (Baguio City, January 22)

February 1–22:

• Highest: 36.0°C (San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, February 20)
• Lowest: 10.4°C (La Trinidad, Benguet, February 6)

PAGASA emphasized that no extreme temperature records were surpassed during the period. 

While rainfall patterns fluctuated, PAGASA maintained that a weak La Niña remains present, with a 60% probability of transitioning to ENSO-neutral conditions between February and April 2026.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News