DAVAO CITY — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Saturday, January 3, said the prevailing Easterlies will continue to influence weather conditions across Mindanao over the next 24 hours, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.
In its Regional Weather Forecast for Mindanao (MINPRSD), issued at 5:00 a.m. and valid until 5:00 a.m. Sunday, PAGASA warned that while rains will be scattered, severe thunderstorms may still trigger flash floods or landslides, particularly in low-lying areas and landslide-prone communities. Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to north will prevail, with sea conditions ranging from slight to moderate, measuring between 0.6 and 2.5 meters.
Across the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Isabela City, and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, residents can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with occasional rainshowers or thunderstorms. Coastal areas will experience slight to moderate seas, while temperatures may range from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius.
Similar weather conditions are forecast over Northern Mindanao, covering Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. Mountainous areas such as Bukidnon will have cooler temperatures, dipping to as low as 20 degrees Celsius, while coastal provinces may see temperatures climb to around 31 degrees. PAGASA advised farmers and motorists to remain cautious, particularly during sudden downpours.
In the Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, the weather will remain unstable with intermittent rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Coastal waters are expected to be slight to moderate, posing minimal risk to small sea vessels, though fishermen are still advised to monitor weather updates.
Meanwhile, SOCCSKSARGEN provinces—North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani—will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains. Temperatures across the region may range from 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. Local disaster risk reduction offices are advised to stay on alert due to the possibility of localized flooding during heavy thunderstorms.
Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will likewise be affected by the Easterlies, bringing occasional rainshowers and thunderstorms. Coastal areas may experience moderate seas, while inland areas should watch for sudden weather changes.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, generally fair weather will prevail at times but may be disrupted by isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Temperatures in higher elevation areas such as Lanao del Sur may drop to as low as 21 degrees Celsius.
PAGASA urged the public, especially those living near rivers, slopes, and coastal communities, to remain vigilant and to take precautionary measures during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Fisherfolk and small boat operators are also advised to exercise caution when venturing out to sea.
For further updates and official advisories, the public is encouraged to monitor PAGASA announcements through its official website and hotlines.