COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Residents across Mindanao should prepare for isolated rain showers and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours as localized thunderstorms continue to affect the island, 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 on Sunday, June 7, PAGASA said most parts of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms from 5:00 a.m. Sunday until 5:00 a.m. Monday.
Weather forecasters warned that severe thunderstorms could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone, and mountainous areas.
“Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms,” PAGASA stated.
The weather agency also reported that light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to south will prevail across the island, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters.
Tropical Depression Outside PAR
Meanwhile, PAGASA continues to monitor a tropical depression located outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of 3:00 p.m. Saturday, the weather disturbance, formerly known as Tropical Storm Ester, was located approximately 680 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes.
The tropical depression packs maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center, with gustiness reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour. It is moving eastward at 20 kilometers per hour and is not expected to directly affect Mindanao.
Rain Showers Expected Across All Mindanao Regions
The forecast covers all major regions in Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 35°C. Residents may experience sunny intervals during the day, but thunderstorms could develop in the afternoon or evening.
Northern Mindanao provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental are also expected to experience similar weather conditions. Temperatures may reach as high as 33°C, while Bukidnon could see cooler temperatures ranging from 19°C to 32°C.
In the Davao Region, including Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, temperatures are forecast to range between 24°C and 34°C. Light to moderate southerly winds will continue across the region, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms.
SOCCSKSARGEN and Caraga Areas Advised to Stay Alert
PAGASA also advised residents in SOCCSKSARGEN, particularly in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani Province, to remain vigilant as thunderstorms may develop throughout the forecast period. Temperatures in these areas are expected to range from 24°C to 33°C.
In the Caraga Region, covering Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, temperatures may climb to as high as 35°C. While generally fair weather conditions may prevail for much of the day, isolated thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall over short periods.
BARMM Provinces to Experience Similar Conditions
Across BARMM, including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures in the region will range between 23°C and 32°C, while coastal waters will remain generally safe for small fishing vessels and sea travel, although mariners are advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms.
Precautionary Measures Urged
PAGASA urged local government units, disaster risk reduction offices, farmers, fisherfolk, and residents living near rivers and mountainous areas to closely monitor weather updates and remain alert for possible flooding and landslides during periods of intense rainfall.
The agency also advised the public to take precautionary measures against lightning strikes and sudden downpours associated with afternoon and evening thunderstorms, which are common during the rainy season.
Weather authorities continue to monitor atmospheric conditions across Mindanao and will issue further advisories should significant weather developments occur.