MINDANAO — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned residents across Mindanao to brace for cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms throughout the day as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect the region.
In its 5:00 a.m. regional weather forecast issued Tuesday, PAGASA’s Mindanao-PrSD (Mindanao – PAGASA Regional Services Division) said the ITCZ — a belt of converging trade winds that typically brings unstable weather — is expected to trigger moderate to occasionally heavy rains, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas.
Cloudy Skies and Rains Across Regions
The forecast indicates that all provinces in Mindanao, from the Zamboanga Peninsula to the Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will experience cloudy conditions with rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the day and into the night.
Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, del Sur, Sibugay, and Isabela City, will experience light to moderate winds from the northwest to southwest, with coastal waters expected to be slight to moderate, ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters. Temperatures are forecast to range between 23°C and 32°C.
In Northern Mindanao, including Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis provinces, the weather bureau predicts similar cloudy skies and rainshowers with thunderstorms. Temperatures will hover between 22°C and 33°C, with winds remaining light to moderate from the northwest to southwest.
Over the Davao Region, covering Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao de Oro, the weather will remain cloudy with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. Coastal waters are expected to remain slight to moderate, while temperatures may reach up to 33°C during brief sunny breaks.
SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM Also on Alert
In SOCCSKSARGEN, which includes North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, similar conditions are expected throughout the day. Temperatures will range from 20°C to 33°C, with light to moderate winds and manageable sea conditions.
The Caraga Region — including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands — is also forecast to experience continuous rain showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by light to moderate winds from the northwest to southwest.
Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Lanao del Sur, will likewise experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in these areas may range from 19°C to 33°C, with coastal waters remaining slight to moderate.
Safety Advisory
PAGASA forecasters CJCN and CTA advised residents, particularly those living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas, to stay alert and take precautionary measures. Fisherfolk and small seacraft are urged to monitor sea conditions before setting out to sea, as localized thunderstorms could cause sudden rough waters.
“Moderate to at times heavy rains may cause flash floods or landslides in areas with saturated soil,” PAGASA said.
The agency urged the public to stay tuned for further updates through its official website bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or by calling the regional hotlines at (632) 8922-1992 and 8927-1335.