Tropical Depression Ada Forms: Manila Travel Alert & Weather Update (Jan 2026)

Latest Update (January 14, 2026): If you are an Indian tourist planning a trip to the Philippines or currently in Manila, take note. The country’s weather bureau, PAGASA, has officially declared the formation of Tropical Depression ‘Ada’, the first storm of 2026.

While the storm is currently brewing east of Mindanao, its trough is expected to bring scattered rains to several parts of the country, potentially affecting flight schedules and travel plans. This comes just days after the Taal Volcano (near Manila) showed signs of unrest, making it a week of double alerts for travelers.

Tropical Depression Ada: What We Know So Far

On the morning of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the low-pressure area (LPA) being monitored by authorities developed into a Tropical Depression. It has been named “Ada”.

• Location: As of the latest advisory (10:00 AM), Ada was spotted approximately 635 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
• Strength: It is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center.
• Movement: The storm is moving northwestward at a speed of 35 km/h.

Signal No. 1 has already been raised in several provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, including Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Surigao del Sur.

Will it Hit Manila?

As of now, the storm has not made landfall in Metro Manila. However, the capital region is expecting cloudy skies with scattered rain showers over the next few days due to the storm’s trough and the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan).

For tourists in Manila:

1. Flights: No major cancellations at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yet, but domestic flights to Visayas/Mindanao may face delays.
2. City Travel: Expect moderate-to-heavy traffic due to the sudden rains.
3. Weekend Forecast: The storm is expected to move towards Eastern Visayas by Friday (Jan 16) or Saturday (Jan 17), which could intensify rains across Luzon.

Taal Volcano Unrest: A Secondary Risk

Indian travelers visiting Tagaytay (a popular hill station near Manila) should also be aware of the recent volcanic activity. On January 9, 2026, Taal Volcano recorded a minor “phreatomagmatic eruption” (steam-driven explosion) that lasted about four minutes.

• Current Status: Alert Level 1 (Low-level unrest).
• Advisory: Entry into the Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone) is strictly prohibited. However, viewing the volcano from the ridges of Tagaytay is currently safe, though travelers should wear N95 masks if volcanic smog (vog) is reported.

Important Note for Indian Tourists (Visa-Free Entry)

The Philippines continues to be a top destination for Indian travelers in 2026, thanks to the 14-day visa-free entry policy.

• The Rule: Indian nationals with a valid tourist, business, or resident visa from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, Schengen, Singapore, or UK can enter the Philippines visa-free for 14 days.
• Requirement: You must have a return ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 months.
• Caution: With the current weather disturbance, ensure you have travel insurance that covers flight cancellations due to typhoons.

What Should Travelers Do Next?

If you are in the Philippines or flying out this week:

• Download the PAGASA Mobile App: For real-time weather updates.
• Check Flight Status: Contact your airline before heading to the airport.
• Avoid Island Hopping: If you are in Siargao or Cebu, avoid boat trips for the next 48 hours as sea conditions will be rough.

FAQs on Manila Weather & Travel