The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has released a new roster of typhoon names to be used for the year 2026, along with a report on current weather conditions and the possibility of a tropical cyclone this month.
For 2026, PAGASA will use Set II of typhoon names, arranged from A to Z (except for 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.
The names Ada, Francisco, Kiyapo and Pilandok replaced Agaton, Florita, Karding and Paeng, which were retired after causing extensive damage in 2022. According to the policy, a typhoon's name is retired if it causes 300 or more fatalities or ₱1 billion or more in damage.
Meanwhile, PAGASA said that a typhoon may form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this January, possibly hitting Eastern Visayas or Caraga, but may also avoid the country.
The northeast monsoon (amihan) continues to affect Northern and Central Luzon, while easterlies affect most of the country. It is also possible that a shear line may develop, which could cause heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and rough seas, especially in Batanes, so small vessels are advised to exercise caution.
