A Low Pressure Area (LPA) monitored near the coastal waters of Picong continues to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms across large parts of Mindanao, prompting state weather bureau PAGASA to warn residents against possible flash floods and landslides.
In its latest Regional Weather Forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. Friday, May 8, the Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD) of PAGASA said the LPA was estimated at around 7.5°N, 123.7°E as of 3:00 p.m. Thursday.
The weather disturbance is currently affecting the Zamboanga Peninsula, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat, while easterlies are affecting the rest of Mindanao.
PAGASA said areas under the direct influence of the LPA will continue to experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms, with moderate to at times heavy rains expected.
“Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains,” the advisory stated.
Among the areas expected to experience persistent rains and thunderstorms are Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City.
Rainy conditions are also forecast over Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, where residents in low-lying and mountainous areas have been advised to remain alert for flooding and rain-induced landslides.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao, including parts of the Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and Northern Mindanao, will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to easterlies.
These areas include Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.
PAGASA warned that even isolated thunderstorms may trigger localized flash floods or landslides, especially in areas vulnerable to soil erosion and overflowing waterways.
Across Mindanao, winds are expected to remain light to moderate coming from the east to northeast, while coastal waters will be slight to moderate with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters.
Temperature forecasts showed daytime heat indices remaining high despite the rainy weather. Metro Davao and nearby provinces may experience temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius, while cooler conditions are expected in highland areas such as Lanao del Sur, where temperatures may dip to 20 degrees Celsius.
Authorities urged the public, particularly those living near rivers, coastal communities, and landslide-prone areas, to monitor official weather bulletins and take precautionary measures as the LPA continues to affect Mindanao over the next 24 hours.