CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Wednesday warned residents across Mindanao to remain alert for possible flash floods and landslides as isolated rainshowers and localized thunderstorms continue to affect several parts of the island.
In its latest Regional Weather Forecast issued by the Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Division (MINPRSD), weather forecasters said Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies from 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, until 5:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4.
Despite generally fair weather conditions in many areas, PAGASA emphasized that severe thunderstorms could trigger sudden heavy rains capable of causing flash floods in low-lying communities and landslides in mountainous and landslide-prone areas.
“Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or localized thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms,” the weather bureau stated.
Light to moderate winds coming from the southeast to southwest are expected to prevail across the island, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, residents can expect intermittent cloudy skies accompanied by rainshowers and thunderstorms. Temperatures in the region are forecast to range from 25°C to as high as 33°C.
Northern Mindanao provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental are also expected to experience similar weather conditions. Bukidnon is forecast to record one of the cooler temperatures in the region, dipping to 19°C, while daytime temperatures may climb up to 33°C.
Meanwhile, the Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will continue to experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. Maximum temperatures in the region may reach 34°C, particularly during the afternoon.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, cloudy conditions with isolated thunderstorms are also expected. PAGASA warned that localized downpours may occur suddenly, especially during the late afternoon and evening.
The Caraga Region, covering Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, is likewise expected to experience unstable weather conditions with possible thunderstorms and moderate coastal waters.
In 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, weather disturbances may bring occasional rains and thunderstorms. Lanao del Sur is expected to record the coolest temperatures in Mindanao, ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Authorities advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, coastal communities, and landslide-prone areas, to monitor weather updates and take precautionary measures during thunderstorms.
Fisherfolk and small sea vessels were also advised to exercise caution when venturing into the seas due to moderate coastal conditions.
PAGASA said the public may contact the agency through its official hotline numbers or visit its official website for continuous weather bulletins and updates.