Typhoon Francisco (international name Mekkhala) continued to strengthen on Sunday night, June 21, 2026, as it moved west-northwest over waters east of Central Luzon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).The system’s maximum sustained winds increased from 120 km/h to 130 km/h, while gustiness rose up to 160 km/h.As of 10 PM, the typhoon was located around 875 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

Despite its strengthening, PAGASA noted that Francisco is still unlikely to make landfall in the Philippines, although a closer approach to extreme Northern Luzon cannot be ruled out if its track shifts westward.The weather disturbance is also enhancing the southwest monsoon (habagat), which is expected to bring widespread rainfall starting June 22 or 23.PAGASA warned that parts of Luzon and the Visayas may experience heavy rains, with specific affected areas to be announced in succeeding advisories.

At present, scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are being triggered by the typhoon’s trough over Bicol, while the habagat continues to affect Mindanao, Visayas, and Palawan.Localized thunderstorms are also expected in other parts of Luzon.In anticipation of worsening conditions, Signal No.1 may be raised over parts of Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes.

Strong to gale-force winds are also expected across several regions in Visayas and Mindanao, with rough sea conditions developing along eastern seaboards, particularly in Northern Luzon where wave heights could reach up to 3 meters, making sea travel hazardous for small vessels.Francisco is the sixth tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines in 2026 and the second for June.PAGASA also continues to monitor a separate low pressure area far east of Luzon, although it has a low chance of development.The typhoon is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by June 26.