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2026 Pacific typhoon season

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2026 Pacific typhoon season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJanuary 13, 2026
Last system dissipatedSeason ongoing
Strongest storm
NameNokaen
 • Maximum winds75 km/h (45 mph)
(10-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure996 hPa (mbar)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions2
Total storms2
Typhoons0
Super typhoons0
Total fatalities15
Total damage$24,000 (2026 USD)
Related articles
Pacific typhoon seasons
2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028

The 2026 Pacific typhoon season is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation in the western Pacific Ocean. The season runs throughout 2026, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The first named storm of the season, Nokaen, developed on January 15, marking the first named storm to develop in the month of January since Pabuk in 2019, and the earliest-starting season since that year.

The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean north of the equator between 100°E and the 180th meridian. Within the northwestern Pacific Ocean, two separate agencies assign names to tropical cyclones, which can result in a system having two names. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)[nb 1] names a tropical cyclone when it is estimated to have 10-minute sustained winds of at least 65 km/h (40 mph) anywhere in the basin. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns names to tropical cyclones that move into or form as a tropical depression within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), defined as the area between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N and 25°N, regardless of whether the JMA has already named the system. Tropical depressions monitored by the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)[nb 2] are given a numerical designation with a "W" suffix, which means "west", a reference to the western Pacific region.[nb 3]

Seasonal forecasts

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Other forecasts
Date 		Forecast
center 		Period Systems Ref.
December 15, 2025 PAGASA January–March 0–3 tropical cyclones [3]
December 15, 2025 PAGASA April–June 2–5 tropical cyclones [3]
2026 season Forecast
Center		 Tropical
cyclones		 Tropical
storms		 Typhoons Ref.
Actual activity: JMA 2 2
Actual activity: JTWC 2 2
Actual activity: PAGASA 2 2

During the year, several national meteorological services and scientific agencies forecast how many tropical cyclones, tropical storms, and typhoons would form during the season and/or how many tropical cyclones would affect a particular country. These agencies included the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) Consortium of University College London, PAGASA, Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) and Taiwan's Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The first outlook was released by PAGASA on December 15, 2025, in its monthly seasonal climate outlook, covering the first half of 2026. The agency forecast that zero to three tropical cyclones were expected to form or enter the PAR between January and March, while two to five were expected to form or enter the PAR between April and June.[3] PAGASA also mentioned that the short-lived and weak La Niña, which began during the fourth quarter of 2025, would persist for a month or two, with a neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) transition between January and March.[3]

The year began with a weak La Niña cycle that developed in 2025.[4] According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) forecast, the ENSO state was likely to return to neutral by mid-year and potentially transition to an El Niño phase during the second half of the year.

Seasonal summary

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Early season activity

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The season began with the formation of Tropical Storm Nokaen (locally known as Ada), which was named on January 15 after initially developing as a tropical depression two days earlier. Nokaen became the first tropical cyclone to form in January since Tropical Storm Pabuk during the 2019 season. The storm moved northwestward, affecting portions of Eastern Visayas and the Bicol Region, before turning northeastward. As it encountered an increasing surge of the northeast monsoon, Nokaen gradually weakened and dissipated on January 22.

Early-season activity continued with Basyang, which formed near Yap on February 2 and was internationally named Penha two days later. This made Penha the first tropical cyclone to form in February since Tropical Storm Dujuan in 2021. The storm made landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur on February 5, followed by multiple landfalls across the Visayas the next day, before land interaction and unfavorable environmental conditions caused the system to weaken into a tropical depression, eventually dissipating on February 7.

Systems

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Tropical Storm Nokaen (Ada)

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Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJanuary 13 – January 22
Peak intensity75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min);
996 hPa (mbar)
Main article: Tropical Storm Nokaen

On January 13, the JTWC started monitoring a low-pressure area that developed 170 nautical miles (310 km) south of Palau, with satellite imagery indicating a disorganized low-level circulation center (LLCC).[5] The JMA later followed suit, identifying the same system as a tropical depression.[6] The following day, at 08:00 PHT (00:00 UTC), PAGASA also classified the system, assigning it the name Ada.[7] Later that day, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) for Ada as it continued to intensify.[8] At 15:00 UTC, the JTWC upgraded the system to a tropical depression, designating it as 01W.[9] At 06:00 UTC on January 15, the JMA recognized 01W as a tropical storm and named it Nokaen.[10] Despite being in a favorable environment, Nokaen maintained its intensity while remaining stationary along the southern periphery of a subtropical high.[11] It then shifted northeastward slowly as it moved over marginal conditions.[12] On January 19, PAGASA noted that Nokaen weakened into a tropical depression;[13] the system further weakened into a remnant low on January 21[14] and dissipated on January 22.[citation needed]

Nokaen brought torrential rainfall to parts of the Philippines, triggering a landslide that resulted in two fatalities in Matnog, Sorsogon.[15] Another fatality was reported after a maritime incident in the Surigao area.[16] Several areas across Catanduanes, Albay, and Camarines Sur experienced flooding and landslides.[17] A total of 832,986 people were affected, while 60,384 were displaced across Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Negros Island, and Caraga. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) provided ₱43.14 million (US$733,086.58) in assistance to affected families, local government units, and partner organizations.[18] Following the suspension of sea travel due to the storm, 2,850 passengers and 792 rolling cargoes were stranded following the suspension of sea travel. The city government of Maasin, Southern Leyte postponed the "Sakay-Sakay Festival" to January 25. Additionally, a barangay in Oras, Eastern Samar experienced a water crisis after flooding damaged the village's water system.[19]

Tropical Storm Penha (Basyang)

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Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationFebruary 3 – February 7
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min);
1000 hPa (mbar)

On February 2, the JTWC began tracking a low-pressure area that developed 128 nautical miles (237 km) east-northeast of Yap, with satellite imagery indicating a weak and broad low-level circulation center (LLCC).[20] The JMA followed suit the next day, identifying the system as a tropical depression.[21] On February 3, at 17:30 PHT (09:30 UTC), the system entered the PAR, with PAGASA assigning it the name Basyang;[22][23] the JTWC issued a TCFA for the system a few hours later as it showed signs of organization.[24] On February 4, at 03:00 UTC, the JTWC upgraded the system to a tropical depression, designating it as 02W.[25] Later that day, at 21:00 JST (12:00 UTC), the JMA upgraded 02W to a tropical storm and assigned the name Penha.[26] At 23:50 PHT (15:50 UTC), Penha made its first landfall over Bayabas, Surigao del Sur.[27] This was followed by additional landfalls in Jagna and Dauis in Bohol, Alcoy, Cebu, and Ayungon, Negros Oriental on February 6.[28] After making landfall, Penha weakened into a tropical depression as it moved over cooler sea surface temperatures and encountered high wind shear.[29] The system was downgraded to a remnant low the following day and dissipated a few hours later.[30]

Penha produced heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides across the Philippines, resulting in 12 fatalities from drownings and landslides. [31] It also caused the displacement of around 28,000 people. A landslide claimed four lives in Cagayan de Oro,[32] while three people drowned in Iligan. Another drowning was reported in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.[33] A state of calamity was subsequently declared in Iligan.[34]

Storm names

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See also: Tropical cyclone naming and History of tropical cyclone naming

Within the northwest Pacific Ocean, both the JMA and PAGASA assign names to tropical cyclones that develop in the region, which can result in a tropical cyclone having two names.[35] The JMA's RSMC Tokyo–Typhoon Center assigns international names to tropical cyclones on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee should they be judged to have 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph).[36] PAGASA names tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their PAR, located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N and 25°N, even if the cyclone has had an international name assigned to it.[35] Should the list of names for the region be exhausted, then names will be taken from an auxiliary list, the first ten of which are published each season. Unused names are marked in gray. The names of significant tropical cyclones will be retired by both PAGASA and the Typhoon Committee in the spring of 2027.[36]

International names

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See also: List of retired Pacific typhoon names

A tropical cyclone is assigned a name once it reaches 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph). The JMA selects the names from a list of 140 contributed by the 14 members nations and territories of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee.[37] Retired names, if any, will be announced by the WMO in 2027, with replacement names to be announced in 2028. The next 28 names on the naming list are shown below, along with their international numeric designations if they are used. All the names in the list are the same, except for Nokaen, Penha, Peilou, Narra, Gaenari, and Bang-Lang, which replaced Phanfone, Vongfong, Linfa, Molave, Goni, and Vamco after the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The names Nokaen and Penha were used for the first time this season.

  • Nokaen (2601)
  • Penha (2602)
  • Nuri (unused)
  • Sinlaku (unused)
  • Hagupit (unused)
  • Jangmi (unused)
  • Mekkhala (unused)
  • Higos (unused)
  • Bavi (unused)
  • Maysak (unused)
  • Haishen (unused)
  • Noul (unused)
  • Dolphin (unused)
  • Kujira (unused)
  • Chan-hom (unused)
  • Peilou (unused)
  • Nangka (unused)
  • Saudel (unused)
  • Narra (unused)
  • Gaenari (unused)
  • Atsani (unused)
  • Etau (unused)
  • Bang-Lang (unused)
  • Krovanh (unused)
  • Dujuan (unused)
  • Surigae (unused)
  • Choi-wan (unused)
  • Koguma (unused)

Philippines

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See also: List of retired Philippine typhoon names

PAGASA uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones that develop within or enter their self-defined area of responsibility.[38] During this season, PAGASA uses the following list of names, which was last used during 2022 and is scheduled to be used again in 2030, with replacements for any retired names.[38] All of the names are the same except Ada, Francisco, Kiyapo, and Pilandok, which replaced the names Agaton, Florita, Karding, and Paeng after they were retired.[38] The name Ada was used for the first time this season.

  • Ada (2601)
  • Basyang (2602)
  • Caloy (unused)
  • Domeng (unused)
  • Ester (unused)
  • Francisco (unused)
  • Gardo (unused)
  • Henry (unused)
  • Inday (unused)
  • Josie (unused)
  • Kiyapo (unused)
  • Luis (unused)
  • Maymay (unused)
  • Neneng (unused)
  • Obet (unused)
  • Pilandok (unused)
  • Queenie (unused)
  • Rosal (unused)
  • Samuel (unused)
  • Tomas (unused)
  • Umberto (unused)
  • Venus (unused)
  • Waldo (unused)
  • Yayang (unused)
  • Zeny (unused)
Auxiliary list
  • Agila (unused)
  • Bagwis (unused)
  • Chito (unused)
  • Diego (unused)
  • Elena (unused)
  • Felino (unused)
  • Gunding (unused)
  • Harriet (unused)
  • Indang (unused)
  • Jessa (unused)

Season effects

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This table summarizes all tropical systems that developed within or moved into the Western Pacific basin during 2026, defined as the region west of the 180th meridian. It also provides an overview of each system's intensity, duration, affected land areas, and any associated deaths or damage.

Name Dates Peak intensity Areas affected Damage
(USD) 		Deaths Ref(s).
Category Wind speed Pressure
Nokaen (Ada) January 13–22 Tropical storm 75 km/h (45 mph) 996 hPa (29.41 inHg) Caroline Islands, Philippines $24,000 3
Penha (Basyang) February 3–7 Tropical storm 65 km/h (40 mph) 1000 hPa (29.53 inHg) Caroline Islands, Philippines Unknown 12
Season aggregates
2 systems January 13 – Season ongoing 75 km/h (45 mph) 996 hPa (29.41 inHg) $24,000 15

See also

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Notes

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Meaning

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Information

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  1. ^ The Japan Meteorological Agency is the official Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the western Pacific Ocean.
  2. ^ The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy–United States Air Force task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions.[1]
  3. ^ A super typhoon is an unofficial category used by the JTWC for a typhoon with winds of at least 240 km/h (150 mph).[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Joint Typhoon Warning Center Mission Statement". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2011. Archived from the original on July 26, 2007. Retrieved July 25, 2012.
  2. ^ Frequently Asked Questions (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 13, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d Seasonal Climate Outlook January – June 2026 (PDF) (Report). PAGASA. December 15, 2025. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 18, 2026. Retrieved December 29, 2025.
  4. ^ "El Niño and La Niña Years and Intensities". ggweather. Jan Null, CCM. December 2025. Archived from the original on February 5, 2026. Retrieved January 1, 2026.
  5. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 08Z 13 January 2026 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. January 13, 2026. Archived from the original on January 13, 2026. Retrieved January 13, 2026.
  6. ^ Warning and Summary 131800 (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. January 13, 2026. Archived from the original on January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  7. ^ Rojas, Ariel (January 14, 2026). "LPA develops into 2026's first storm". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  8. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 91W) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. January 14, 2026. Archived from the original on January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  9. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 01W (One) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. January 14, 2026. Archived from the original on January 14, 2026. Retrieved January 14, 2026.
  10. ^ Reasoning No. 7 for TS Nokaen (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. January 15, 2026. Archived from the original on January 15, 2026. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  11. ^ Reasoning No. 9 for TS Nokaen (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. January 15, 2026. Archived from the original on January 16, 2026. Retrieved January 16, 2026.
  12. ^ Reasoning No. 18 for TS Nokaen (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. January 18, 2026. Retrieved January 18, 2026.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ "Ada weakens into a tropical depression". ABS-CBN. January 19, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  14. ^ "'Ada' weakens into an LPA; disturbance east of Mindanao unlikely to enter PAR". ABS-CBN. January 21, 2026. Retrieved January 21, 2026.
  15. ^ "2 dead in Ada-induced landslide in Sorsogon". Manila Bulletin. January 17, 2026. Retrieved January 17, 2026.
  16. ^ "1 killed in maritime incident in Surigao due to Ada — PCG". GMA News. January 19, 2026. Retrieved January 19, 2026.
  17. ^ "2 dead as Ada brings heavy rains, winds over Bicol region". GMA News. January 17, 2026. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  18. ^ "DSWD DROMIC Report #14 on the Effects of Tropical Storm "Ada" as of 26 January 2026, 6PM" (PDF). January 26, 2026. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 7, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  19. ^ "Philippines Struggles to Recover as Eastern Visayas Resumes Sea Travel and Northern Samar Remains Stranded After Tropical Storm Ada's Chaos". Travel and Tour World. January 19, 2026. Archived from the original on February 7, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  20. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 10Z 2 February 2026 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 2, 2026. Archived from the original on February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 2, 2026. {{cite report}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; February 7, 2026 suggested (help)
  21. ^ Warning and Summary 030600 (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. February 3, 2026. Archived from the original on February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026. {{cite report}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; September 9, 2023 suggested (help)
  22. ^ "Tropical depression Basyang enters Philippine area". ABS-CBN. February 3, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
  23. ^ Clores, Keith (February 3, 2026). "Tropical depression Basyang enters PAR, may become tropical storm". Inquirer.net. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  24. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 94W) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 3, 2026. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026. {{cite report}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; February 7, 2026 suggested (help)
  25. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 02W (Two) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 4, 2026. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  26. ^ Reasoning No. 5 for TS Penha (Report). Japan Meteorological Agency. February 4, 2026. Archived from the original on February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  27. ^ Arceo, Acor (February 6, 2026). "Tropical Storm Basyang makes landfall in Surigao del Sur". Rappler. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  28. ^ "'Basyang' weakens further; now over Negros Oriental". ABS-CBN. February 6, 2026.
  29. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 02W (Penha) Warning No. 9 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. February 6, 2026. Archived from the original on February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  30. ^ "Tropical Depression Basyang weakens into LPA then dissipates". Rappler. February 7, 2026. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  31. ^ "Philippines' Tropical Storm Basyang death toll rises to 12, affected families now 132,000". The Star. February 8, 2026.
  32. ^ "4 dead due to 'Basyang'". SunStar Philippines. February 6, 2026.
  33. ^ "Tropical storm leaves 8 dead, thousands displaced in Philippines after flooding and a landslide". AP News. February 6, 2026.
  34. ^ "Iligan City placed under state of calamity due to Basyang". GMA Integrated News. February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
  35. ^ a b Padgett, Gary. "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary December 1999". Australian Severe Weather. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  36. ^ a b The Typhoon Committee (February 21, 2013). "Typhoon Committee Operational Manual 2013" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. pp. 37–38. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 1, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  37. ^ Zhou, Xiao; Lei, Xiaotu (2012). "Summary of retired typhoons within the Western North Pacific Ocean". Tropical Cyclone Research and Review. 1 (1). The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific/World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee: 23–32. doi:10.6057/2012TCRR01.03. ISSN 2589-3025. Archived from the original on August 12, 2017. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
  38. ^ a b c "Philippine Tropical Cyclone Names". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Archived from the original on December 28, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
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