Residents across Mindanao should brace for partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and localized thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, according to the latest regional weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD).
In its 5:00 a.m. weather bulletin issued Thursday, PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms could trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable and low-lying areas across several provinces in the island-region.
The weather agency said Mindanao will continue to experience unstable weather conditions from 5:00 a.m. on May 21 until 5:00 a.m. on May 22, with light to moderate winds coming from the northeast to north and coastal waters remaining slight to moderate with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
Areas under the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City are expected to experience intermittent rainshowers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C.
In Northern Mindanao, the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience similar weather patterns. Forecast temperatures in the region may reach as high as 34°C, particularly in inland areas.
Meanwhile, the Davao Region, including Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao City, is expected to have warm and humid conditions with afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Temperatures in the region are forecast to range between 23°C and 34°C.
The weather disturbance will likewise affect the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, particularly North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, where scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms may develop throughout the day.
In the Caraga Region, PAGASA forecast cloudy intervals with isolated rainshowers over Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Daytime temperatures in some areas could climb to 35°C.
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 continue to experience localized thunderstorms and rainshowers with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C.
PAGASA advised residents, especially those living near rivers, mountain slopes, and flood-prone communities, to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides during heavy downpours associated with severe thunderstorms.
Fisherfolk and small sea vessels were likewise advised to exercise caution when venturing into the seas due to moderate coastal conditions in various parts of Mindanao.
The forecast was issued by PAGASA-MINPRSD based in El Salvador City as part of its continuing weather monitoring operations across the Mindanao area.
For weather updates and emergency advisories, the public may visit PAGASA Official Website.