Mindanao — Large portions of Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms from Wednesday evening until Thursday, December 18, as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to affect the region, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5:00 p.m. regional weather forecast issued Wednesday.
PAGASA warned that moderate to at times heavy rains may lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone, and mountainous areas are advised to remain alert, especially during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
The rest of Mindanao is expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to prevailing easterlies, which may still cause localized flooding or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
Zamboanga Peninsula: Persistent Rains
In Zamboanga City and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, cloudy skies with frequent rainshowers and thunderstorms will prevail throughout the forecast period. Temperatures are expected to range from 23°C to 34°C, with light to moderate winds from the east to northeast and slight to moderate coastal waters.
Isabela City will experience similar conditions, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C and moderate winds at times.
Northern Mindanao: Intermittent Showers
Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with occasional rainshowers or thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 19°C to 31°C. Coastal areas will see slight to moderate seas, posing minimal risk to small sea vessels but still requiring caution.
Davao Region: Thunderstorms Likely
Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental are forecast to experience cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the day and night. Temperatures may reach up to 32°C, with light to moderate easterly winds and slight to moderate sea conditions along coastal areas.
SOCCSKSARGEN: Flood Risk Remains
In North Cotabato, weather conditions will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Meanwhile, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani will have cloudy skies with more frequent rains and thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 21°C to 30°C, and coastal waters are expected to remain slight to moderate.
Caraga Region: Cloudy and Rainy
Provinces in Caraga, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Temperatures may rise to 33°C, while coastal waters remain slight to moderate, requiring vigilance from fisherfolk and small boat operators.
BARMM: Widespread Thunderstorms
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi are forecast to have cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms, while Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated to scattered thunderstorms. Temperatures across BARMM will range from 20°C to 33°C.
Advisory
PAGASA urged the public, particularly local Reactive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs), to closely monitor weather updates and take precautionary measures against possible flooding and landslides. Fisherfolk and those traveling by sea are also advised to exercise caution due to slight to moderate sea conditions.
For further updates and advisories, the public may contact PAGASA or visit its official website at bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.