Tropical Depression Henry Forms Off Bataan, Brings Habagat Rain

Tropical Depression Henry developed inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 2 AM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, becoming the country's eighth tropical cyclone this year. Located 115 kilometers west southwest of Abucay, Bataan, Henry is moving away from land but continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing moderate to heavy rain over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Palawan.

Where is Tropical Depression Henry heading?

As a people, we have fought many storms. We know the drill: we pray, and we prepare. Henry was given its local name as the first tropical cyclone for July. As of 4 AM on Wednesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported the storm is moving northwest at 25 kilometers per hour, steering away from the main landmass. It already crossed land on Tuesday, June 30, as a low pressure area.

So far, Henry carries maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h and gustiness of up to 55 km/h. PAGASA expects it to gradually intensify over the West Philippine Sea, possibly strengthening into a tropical storm by Thursday morning, July 2, which is also its projected exit from PAR.

Which provinces face heavy rain and flooding?

While the capital braces for rain, the real fight is often in the provinces. Our farmers and fisherfolk bear the brunt of the habagat. On Wednesday, Henry is bringing rain to Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, and Marinduque. PAGASA warns that Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro could be the most affected, expecting moderate to heavy rain of 50 to 100 millimeters.

Henry is also enhancing the southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat. This is causing scattered rain and thunderstorms in the rest of Mimaropa, Western Visayas, the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Misamis Occidental. Palawan may be the most affected by the monsoon, also with 50 to 100 mm of rain.

What wind signals and sea warnings are active?

For strong winds due to Henry, Signal No. 1 was raised at 5 AM on Wednesday over southwestern Zambales, including San Antonio, Castillejos, Subic, and Olongapo City. It is also up in the western part of Bataan, covering Morong, Bagac, and Mariveles, as well as the Lubang Islands.

PAGASA added that the outer bands of the tropical depression and the habagat are bringing strong to gale-force gusts to several areas. On Wednesday, July 1, these include Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan. On Thursday, July 2, gusts will persist in Batanes, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Palawan. By Friday, July 3, only Pangasinan, Zambales, and Palawan will experience these gusts.

Our brave sailors must take heed. In the next 24 hours, up to moderate seas are likely. Waves up to 2.5 meters high are expected in the seaboards of Cagayan and Isabela, and the western seaboards of Zambales, Bataan, and Lubang Islands. Waves up to 2 meters high will hit the seaboards of Aurora and Batanes, the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte, and the western seaboards of La Union, Pangasinan, and Palawan. Small vessels should take precautionary measures or avoid sailing if possible. No catch is worth your life. Trust in God, stay ashore, and keep your families safe.

How many storms should Filipinos expect in late 2026?

PAGASA's latest estimates show nine to 13 tropical cyclones could form within or enter PAR from July to December 2026. The breakdown per month is two to four for July, two to four for August, two or three for September, one or two for October, one or two for November, and one or two for December. However, formation inside or entry into PAR does not guarantee an impact on our weather and sea conditions. That depends on the location, track, and intensity of each cyclone. We trust our government agencies to keep us informed, and we must remain vigilant.

What is the local name of the eighth tropical cyclone in 2026?

The local name for the eighth tropical cyclone in 2026 is Henry. PAGASA assigns local names to tropical cyclones that enter or form within the Philippine Area of Responsibility for easier communication and warning dissemination to the public.

Will Tropical Depression Henry make landfall in the Philippines?

Tropical Depression Henry is not expected to make landfall in the Philippines. It is moving northwest away from the landmass at 25 km/h. The system already crossed land as a low pressure area on June 30 before intensifying into a tropical depression.