CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Large parts of Mindanao are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and 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) on Thursday, June 18.
PAGASA reported that the provinces of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental will be affected by the prevailing easterlies, bringing intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period beginning 5:00 a.m. Thursday until 5:00 a.m. Friday.
The rest of Mindanao, meanwhile, is expected to experience similar weather conditions due to localized thunderstorms triggered by daytime heating and moisture in the atmosphere.
Weather forecasters warned that severe thunderstorms could lead to localized flooding, flash floods, and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities, mountainous areas, and places with saturated soil conditions.
Rain Showers Expected Across Major Regions
The forecast covers the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), all of which are expected to experience partly cloudy skies that may become cloudy at times with rain showers and thunderstorms.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 34°C. Residents can expect generally fair weather during the day but should remain alert for sudden thunderstorms, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Northern Mindanao provinces, including Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, will also experience intermittent rain showers. Bukidnon is expected to record some of the coolest temperatures in the region, with lows reaching 19°C, while daytime temperatures could climb to as high as 33°C.
Davao Region Under Continued Thunderstorm Threat
The Davao Region is likewise expected to experience unsettled weather conditions. Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental are forecast to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies accompanied by isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Davao Oriental remains among the provinces directly affected by the easterlies. Temperatures across the region are expected to range from 24°C to 34°C.
Weather authorities advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, coastal communities, and landslide-prone areas, to closely monitor weather advisories and take precautionary measures during periods of heavy rainfall.
Caraga Region Faces Higher Rainfall Potential
In Caraga, the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands are forecast to experience widespread thunderstorm activity.
Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands may experience increased rainfall due to the influence of the easterlies. Daytime temperatures in the region are expected to range from 24°C to 35°C, with Agusan del Norte potentially recording the highest temperatures.
PAGASA noted that while thunderstorms may be isolated, they could become intense and produce heavy rainfall within a short period, increasing the risk of flash floods in vulnerable communities.
SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM Also Affected
The SOCCSKSARGEN Region, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, will continue to experience unstable weather conditions characterized by scattered cloudiness and isolated thunderstorms.
Similarly, provinces under BARMM—including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City—are expected to experience occasional rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period.
Temperatures in BARMM are expected to range between 22°C and 34°C, with Lanao del Sur recording the coolest conditions among the provinces in the region.
Sea Conditions Remain Generally Safe
Despite the possibility of thunderstorms, sea conditions across Mindanao’s coastal waters are expected to remain generally manageable.
PAGASA forecasts light to moderate winds blowing from the east to northeast across most areas, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
Fisherfolk and operators of small sea vessels are nevertheless advised to exercise caution when thunderstorms occur, as sudden gusty winds and rougher seas may develop near thunderstorm activity.
Public Advised to Stay Alert
PAGASA urged residents throughout Mindanao to remain vigilant and monitor official weather bulletins, especially in areas susceptible to flooding and landslides.
While no tropical cyclone is currently affecting the region, the combination of easterlies and localized thunderstorms could still bring periods of heavy rainfall capable of causing weather-related hazards.
Authorities advised the public to stay updated through official PAGASA channels and local disaster risk reduction offices for timely weather advisories and emergency warnings.