The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced a new roster of tropical cyclone names for 2026 and reported the possibility of one tropical cyclone forming or entering the Philippine area of responsibility this month.
For 2026, PAGASA will use Set II of its domestic cyclone names in alphabetical order, 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.
Under agency guidelines, a tropical cyclone name is retired if it causes at least 300 deaths or inflicts ₱1 billion or more in damages to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure. Names may also be retired when multiple storms hit in quick succession, amplifying their combined impact.
On Thursday, January 1, PAGASA said up to one tropical cyclone might develop or enter the country this month, potentially targeting Eastern Visayas or the Caraga region, though it could also veer away.
The state bureau noted that the northeast monsoon or amihan affects Northern and Central Luzon, while easterlies prevail over much of the country. The interaction of cold amihan winds with warm, humid easterlies may form a shear line, which could bring heavy to intense rainfall over Southern Luzon and parts of the Visayas, raising risks of flooding and landslides.
PAGASA also warned of rough seas, especially around Batanes, making travel dangerous for small seacraft.