EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental — Much of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours as localized thunderstorms continue to affect the region, according to the latest forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mindanao Regional Services Division.
The regional weather bulletin, issued at 5:00 a.m. on March 18, covers the period from 5:00 a.m. Wednesday until 5:00 a.m. Thursday, warning residents of possible flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides.
Thunderstorms expected across Mindanao
Weather forecasters said localized thunderstorms will be the primary weather system affecting Mindanao, bringing intermittent rain showers in various provinces throughout the day and into the night.
While most areas will see generally fair conditions early in the day, cloud build-up and thunderstorms may develop later in the afternoon or evening, which could bring sudden downpours, lightning, and gusty winds.
Authorities urged residents to remain alert, particularly in mountainous and low-lying communities, where intense rainfall could quickly trigger flooding or landslides.
Stronger winds and rough seas in eastern Mindanao
The eastern seaboard of Mindanao will face moderate to strong northeast to north winds, generating moderate to rough sea conditions with wave heights ranging from 2.1 to 3.1 meters.
These conditions are expected to affect coastal waters along the eastern provinces, including parts of the Davao Region and Caraga Region, prompting advisories for small sea vessels and fishermen to exercise caution when venturing out to sea.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao will experience light to moderate winds coming from the northeast to north, with slight to moderate seas ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.
Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao outlook
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, weather conditions will remain partly cloudy to cloudy with occasional rain showers or thunderstorms.
Temperatures in these areas are expected to range between 20°C and 33°C, with light to moderate northeast winds and slight to moderate coastal waters.
Similarly, provinces in Northern Mindanao such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will experience comparable conditions with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 31°C.
Davao Region and Caraga to see stronger winds
In the Davao Region, including Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, winds will be moderate to strong, bringing moderate to rough seas in coastal areas.
Temperatures across the region are forecast to range between 20°C and 34°C, with occasional thunderstorms likely.
The same wind conditions are expected across the Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, where wave heights could also reach rough levels.
BARMM and SOCCSKSARGEN weather
Areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Temperatures in these areas may reach up to 35°C, particularly in inland communities.
Meanwhile, provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN such as North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani will experience similar thunderstorm activity, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C.
Public advised to stay alert
Weather authorities continue to remind the public to monitor local weather updates and advisories, especially in communities vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
Fisherfolk and operators of small boats were also urged to take precautionary measures due to potentially rough sea conditions, particularly along the eastern coastlines of Mindanao.
PAGASA forecasters emphasized that localized thunderstorms can intensify quickly, bringing heavy rainfall within short periods that may lead to flooding in low-lying areas.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction offices for safety updates as weather conditions evolve.