MANILA, Philippines — Large parts of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, according to the latest regional forecast issued at 5:00 AM, March 20, 2026 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD).
The weather disturbance is being driven by localized thunderstorms, a common condition during the transition period toward the dry season. However, forecasters warned that these seemingly isolated weather systems may still trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas during intense downpours.
Scattered Thunderstorms Expected Across All Regions
From Zamboanga Peninsula to Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the weather pattern remains largely consistent: sunny to cloudy intervals interrupted by sudden rainshowers or thunderstorms.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, temperatures will range from 23°C to 33°C during the day, slightly cooling to 23°C to 30–31°C overnight. Similar conditions will prevail across coastal and inland areas.
Northern Mindanao provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience daytime highs between 30°C and 33°C, with nighttime temperatures dipping to as low as 18°C in upland areas like Bukidnon.
In the Davao Region, including Metro Davao and nearby provinces, temperatures may peak at 34°C, among the highest in Mindanao, while maintaining the same pattern of intermittent thunderstorms throughout the day and night.
Warm Days, Slightly Cooler Nights in SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga
In SOCCSKSARGEN, particularly North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, residents can expect warm and humid conditions, with temperatures reaching 34°C during the day before easing to around 31°C at night.
Meanwhile, the Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will see slightly milder temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms.
BARMM Areas Under Similar Weather Conditions
Across BARMM, including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, the weather remains generally fair but unstable, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 34°C.
Despite fair intervals, authorities caution that sudden thunderstorms may develop, posing risks especially to coastal and rural communities.
Sea Conditions and Wind Advisory
Winds across Mindanao will be light to moderate, blowing from the northeast to north, resulting in slight to moderate sea conditions, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.
This means that small fishing vessels and sea travelers are advised to exercise caution, particularly during thunderstorms when winds and waves may suddenly intensify.
Public Advised to Stay Alert
PAGASA urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Farmers, fisherfolk, and commuters are encouraged to monitor local weather updates and take precautionary measures as thunderstorms can develop rapidly.
While no major weather disturbance such as a tropical cyclone is currently affecting Mindanao, the agency emphasized that localized thunderstorms can still bring significant impacts, particularly when sustained over several hours.
For continuous updates, the public is advised to follow official bulletins and advisories from PAGASA.