Department of Science and Technology
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and
Astronomical Services Administration
Monthly Philippine Agro-climatic Review and Outlook

May 2026

Simplified Version Monthly Agroclimatic Review and Outlook
 


For the month of May, the country was affected by several weather systems, including the tropical cyclone, southwesterly wind flow, low pressure area (LPA), trough of LPA, easterlies, intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), and localized thunderstorms.

As shown in Figure 1, way below to below normal rainfall conditions prevailed across most parts of Luzon and the Visayas. However, near normal rainfall was observed in the southern part of Palawan, as well as in the southern portion of Samar and in Leyte Province. While, Mindanao generally experienced near to above normal rainfall conditions.

The highest recorded rainfall for the month was at Kabacan, North Cotabato Synoptic Station (407.7 mm), followed by Malaybalay Synoptic Station (349.5 mm), and Hinatuan Synoptic Station (342.1 mm).

SOIL MOISTURE CONDITION
Wet – Davao del Norte, North Cotabato, and Surigao del Sur
Moist – Bulacan, Aurora, Infanta, Alabat, Sorsogon, Capiz, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur
Dry – Rest of the country





TEMPERATURE
  • Near to way below mean temperatures were observed over the entire archipelago except for Baguio City, Northern Palawan, Naga Ctiy, and Eastern Samar which cooler than average was observed.
  • Tuguegarao City recorded the highest temperature with 41.0°C on May 27, while BSU, La Trinidad Benguet logged the lowest temperature of 15.1°C on May 7.

• Land and Seedbed Preparations
• Planting and Transplanting
• Weed Management
• Pest and diseases management 		• Water Management
• Harvesting and Post-Harvest
• Fertilizer application
• Cleaning and Maintenance





The agricultural technicians, farmers, and farm enthusiasts may continue to browse some tips and additional knowledge on potential crop production, early warning for pest and disease infestations and water management strategies for specific areas by visiting the website of Department of Agriculture in their respective regions. For daily farm weather and climate conditions, you may visit PAGASA website (https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/)
CROP STAGES REGION/CROPS
Land and Seedbed Preparation
(including preparation for garden plot, urban gardening, and upland farms), (irrigated and rainfed farms)
  • Rice – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and BARMM
  • Corn – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM
Planting and Transplanting
(broadcasting / direct seeding – for rice, corn, conventional way/ by rows - other cash crops)
  • Rice – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and BARMM
  • Corn – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM
  • High Value Crops – All Regions
Vegetative Stage
(tillering, head development)
  • Rice – Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM
  • Corn – Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN
  • High Value Crops – All Regions
Reproductive Stage
(Heading – rice; Tasselling/Silking – corn)
  • Rice – Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM
  • Corn – Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, CALABARZON, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Davao Region,
Maturing/Ripening
  • Rice – Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM
  • Corn – Ilocos Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKARGEN and BARMM
Harvesting Stage
  • Rice – Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Caraga, and BARMM
  • Corn – Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and SOCCSKSARGEN
  • High Value Crops – All Regions


  • The weather systems that will affect the country in May are the southwest monsoon, easterlies, low-pressure areas (LPAs), intertropical convergence zones, tropical cyclones, and localized thunderstorms.
  • One or two (1 or 2) tropical cyclones (TC) may enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the month.
Forecast Mean Temperature Anomaly
Slightly warmer to warmer mean temperatures are expected across most parts of the country, with isolated areas likely to experience slightly cooler conditions.

ENSO ALERT SYSTEM STATUS
EL NIÑO ADVISORY
(as of 09 June 2026)
https://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/press-release/209
El Niño conditions are now present in the tropical Pacific. In May 2026, the observed relative sea surface temperature anomaly (rSSTA) reached the +0.5°C threshold. Additionally, most climate models suggest there is over an 80% probability that this will develop into a full-blown El Niño event, which is likely to persist until early 2027. Farmers should stay alert to daily weather updates, secure farm structures, and avoid field activities during thunderstorms, and adjust planting schedules based on DOST-PAGASA forecasts.









Extreme Temperature Range

Luzon
Upland: 14.6 ºC – 28.7ºC
Lowland: 20.2 ºC – 40.4ºC

Visayas
Lowland: 21.0 ºC – 37.8 ºC
Mindanao
Upland: 15.4 ºC – 33.4 ºC
Lowland: 20.4 ºC – 38.3 ºC

PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the climate conditions that may affect the country and updates shall be issued as appropriate. For further information, please contact the Climatology and Agrometeorology Division (CAD) at telephone number 8284-0800, local 4915 or 4916.
Prepared: NRE
Checked: MEVT
Approved: TAC
Uploaded: JOT