Filipinos can now receive weather warnings and forecasts directly on their smartphones with the launch of PANaHON, PAGASA’s new mobile application designed to provide near real-time weather information and location-based alerts.
The app was launched on June 15 as part of the observance of Typhoon and Flood Awareness Week (TFAW), which runs until June 20.
Weather updates tailored to your location
The PANaHON app allows users to receive weather information based on their current location or areas they choose to monitor.
Users can pin favorite locations, search for places across the country, and access forecasts for cities and tourist destinations. PAGASA said the app provides daily and hourly forecasts, along with five-day weather outlooks to help users plan ahead.
According to PAGASA Information Officer Loren Joy Estrebillo, the mobile app was developed after the agency observed that a majority of its users access weather information through their smartphones.
Interactive maps and real-time monitoring
Aside from forecasts, the app features interactive maps that display active warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, tropical cyclones, and flooding.
Users can tap warning icons to view detailed advisories, while radar mosaics, satellite imagery, animations, and gridded forecasts offer a more detailed look at weather conditions across the country.
The app also includes an observation tab where users can access data from PAGASA’s network of synoptic and automatic weather stations nationwide.
Instant alerts during severe weather
One of PANaHON’s key features is its push notification system, which sends weather advisories and warnings directly to users based on their location.
To receive alerts, users must enable notifications, allow location access, and agree to the app’s terms and conditions.
Estrebillo assured the public that the application complies with the Data Privacy Act. Information collected may include device details, usage analytics, notification preferences, and location data when users choose to enable location services.
PAGASA said the PANaHON app is meant to complement existing weather services on smartphones while providing more localized and timely information, particularly during storms, heavy rainfall, and other weather disturbances.
