With the grand Sinulog Festival in Cebu just days away, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has issued a crucial advisory for devotees and residents. The agency is urging everyone to exercise caution and prepare as Tropical Storm "Ada" is monitored moving towards the region.
Storm Intensification and Projected Path
In its 5:00 PM weather bulletin on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Pagasa announced that the weather disturbance previously classified as a Tropical Depression had strengthened into a Tropical Storm. Ada was last spotted approximately 400 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte. The storm packs maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near its center, with gusts reaching up to 80 kph. It is currently moving northwestward at a speed of 15 kph.
In response to the developing system, Pagasa has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over several areas. This signal warns of winds between 39 to 61 kph that may be experienced within the next 36 hours.
Areas Under Signal No. 1 and Cebu Forecast
The following areas in the Visayas are now under TCWS No. 1:
- Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar
- The eastern portion of Biliran (Maripipi, Kawayan, Culaba, Caibiran, Cabucgayan)
- The eastern portion of Leyte (including Tacloban City, Palo, Ormoc, and other towns)
- The eastern portion of Southern Leyte (including Sogod, Saint Bernard, Hinunangan, and others)
For Cebu specifically, Pagasa's special 24-hour forecast indicates cloudy skies with occasional light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are likely from Thursday afternoon through the night. Temperatures are expected to range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, with heat indices feeling as high as 34 to 37°C.
Looking ahead to Saturday, January 17—the day of the traditional fluvial procession—there is a moderate to high chance of rain, and sea wave heights are forecast to reach 2.5 to 3.7 meters in open waters. Central and southern Cebu may experience moderate to slight sea conditions.
Impact on Sinulog Festivities and Public Advisory
The city is in full preparation mode for two major events: the Fluvial Procession on Saturday, January 17, and the iconic Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The potential impact of Tropical Storm Ada casts uncertainty over these large outdoor gatherings.
By Sunday and Monday, January 18-19, Cebu is forecast to have cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain and light to moderate winds from the northwest.
Pagasa and local authorities strongly advise all visitors and residents in Cebu to take necessary precautions. Essential items like umbrellas, raincoats, and hats are recommended for protection during processions and celebrations. The public is also urged to remain vigilant and stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and official announcements from Pagasa for any changes in the storm's track or intensity.
