COTABATO CITY – Large portions of Mindanao are expected to experience cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours as the easterlies continue to affect the region, according to the latest weather bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD).
In its regional weather forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15, PAGASA said the easterlies—warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean—will bring unstable weather conditions across Mindanao, particularly over the western and southern sections of the island.
The weather bureau identified the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi as areas expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period.
PAGASA warned residents in these areas to remain vigilant against possible flash floods and landslides, especially in low-lying communities and mountainous areas, due to moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.
Among the areas forecast to experience persistent cloudy weather with rain showers and thunderstorms are Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Isabela City in Basilan, Basilan Province, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Temperatures in these areas are expected to range from 22°C to 32°C, while winds will remain light to moderate, generally coming from the southwest. Coastal waters are forecast to be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao, including Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and most areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Although rainfall in these areas is expected to be less widespread, PAGASA emphasized that localized thunderstorms could still trigger flash floods or landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to sudden heavy downpours.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental may experience intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures across the region are expected to range between 18°C and 32°C.
The Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will also see partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures could reach up to 34°C in some areas, particularly in Davao de Oro.
Across SOCCSKSARGEN, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, weather conditions will remain generally fair but with chances of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. Temperatures are forecast to range between 22°C and 33°C.
The Caraga Region, comprising Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will likewise experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms. Some areas may record temperatures as high as 34°C.
In BARMM, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur are expected to experience similar weather conditions, while Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi remain under the more active rain-bearing influence of the easterlies.
PAGASA advised residents, local government units, disaster risk reduction offices, and seafarers to continuously monitor weather updates and take precautionary measures against possible flooding, landslides, and lightning-related incidents associated with thunderstorms.
Despite the absence of any tropical cyclone affecting the country, the weather bureau stressed that the easterlies can still generate significant rainfall capable of causing localized weather-related hazards.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas, and to immediately heed warnings and evacuation advisories should conditions deteriorate.