Northeast Monsoon Brings Light Rains to Visayas, Negros Oriental

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a 24-hour weather forecast on March 13, 2026, indicating that the Northeast Monsoon continues to affect Luzon and Visayas, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains to Negros Oriental and the broader Visayas region.

According to the weather bulletin released at 4:00 AM today, the Northeast Monsoon is the primary weather system influencing conditions across the central Philippines. The forecast remains valid until 4:00 AM tomorrow, March 14, 2026.

Current Weather Conditions for Negros Oriental

Residents of Negros Oriental can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains throughout the day. PAGASA attributes these conditions to the Northeast Monsoon and reports “no significant impact” expected from the current weather pattern.

The weather agency’s forecast extends to Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Caraga, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Northern Mindanao, all experiencing similar conditions under the influence of the Northeast Monsoon.

Wind conditions in the Visayas region, including Negros Oriental, are expected to remain light to moderate from the northeast direction. Coastal waters around the island province will experience slight to moderate conditions with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.

Tropical Depression Nuri Remains Outside PAR

PAGASA is monitoring Tropical Depression Nuri, designated as tropical cyclone 2603, which remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of 3:00 AM today. The weather disturbance is located approximately 1,580 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao at coordinates 10.4°N, 139.9°E.

The tropical depression maintains maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour near its center, with gustiness reaching up to 55 kilometers per hour. Nuri is moving in an east-southeastward direction at 10 kilometers per hour, moving further away from Philippine territory.

Weather forecasters indicate that the tropical depression’s current trajectory and distance pose no immediate threat to any part of the Philippines, including the Visayas region where Negros Oriental is located.

Regional Weather Variations Across the Philippines

While Negros Oriental and the Visayas experience relatively mild conditions, other parts of the Philippines face varying weather patterns. Northern regions including Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes are experiencing cloudy skies with light rains due to the Northeast Monsoon.

The southern regions of Mindanao present a different scenario, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies accompanied by isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA warns that these areas face possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.

This regional variation highlights the complex weather patterns affecting the Philippine archipelago during the current monsoon season, with Negros Oriental positioned in a relatively stable weather zone.

Wind and Coastal Water Conditions

Maritime activities around Negros Oriental will benefit from generally favorable conditions. The eastern sections of the country, which include parts of the Visayas, will experience moderate to strong winds from the northeast to north direction, with moderate to rough coastal waters ranging from 2.1 to 4.0 meters in wave height.

However, most of the Visayas region, including waters surrounding Negros Oriental, will maintain light to moderate northeast winds with slight to moderate coastal waters. This makes conditions suitable for most maritime activities, though smaller vessels should exercise standard precautions.

The northern and western sections of Northern Luzon face more challenging conditions with moderate to strong northeast winds and moderate to rough coastal waters reaching 2.8 to 4.5 meters in wave height.

Temperature and Humidity Data

PAGASA’s weather station in Quezon City recorded temperature extremes for the 24-hour period ending at 8:00 PM on March 12, 2026. The maximum temperature reached 31.2 degrees Celsius at 4:00 PM, while the minimum temperature dropped to 20.3 degrees Celsius at 6:00 AM.

Relative humidity peaked at 87 percent during the early morning hours at 6:00 AM and reached its lowest point of 49 percent at 4:00 PM. These readings provide insight into the atmospheric conditions across the broader region, though local variations may occur in Negros Oriental due to topographical differences.

Implications for Negros Oriental Residents

The current weather forecast suggests minimal disruption to daily activities across Negros Oriental. The isolated light rains expected throughout the day may provide relief from heat while not significantly impacting outdoor activities, agriculture, or transportation.

Local farmers may benefit from the light precipitation, particularly those engaged in rice cultivation and other crops that require consistent moisture. The moderate wind conditions also support agricultural activities without posing risks to crop damage.

Tourism activities across the province can proceed normally, though visitors should carry light rain protection and remain aware of changing conditions throughout the day.

Looking Ahead

PAGASA continues to monitor the Northeast Monsoon’s progression and its effects on the Visayas region. The weather agency maintains its regular forecasting schedule, with updates issued daily at 4:00 AM to provide the most current information to residents and authorities.

The movement of Tropical Depression Nuri away from Philippine territory reduces concerns about severe weather impacts in the coming days. However, residents are encouraged to stay updated with official weather bulletins as monsoon patterns can shift rapidly.

Weather monitoring stations across Negros Oriental and the broader Visayas region continue collecting data to ensure accurate forecasting and early warning systems remain operational for any significant weather changes.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PAGASA