ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Large parts of Mindanao are expected to experience cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours as the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect the region, 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. forecast issued Wednesday, June 24, PAGASA warned that several provinces in Western and Northern Mindanao, as well as areas within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), could experience moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall that may trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous communities.
Among the areas expected to receive the heaviest rainfall are the Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Misamis Occidental, and Lanao del Norte. These provinces will experience cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period.
Weather forecasters cautioned residents living near rivers, creeks, and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant, especially during prolonged downpours.
Zamboanga Peninsula Under Cloudy and Rainy Conditions
The entire Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, is forecast to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms caused by the prevailing Southwest Monsoon.
Temperatures across the region are expected to range from 24°C to as high as 33°C. Coastal waters will generally be slight to moderate, while winds will remain light to moderate coming from the southwest.
Local disaster management offices are advised to closely monitor weather developments as rainfall could intensify at times throughout the day.
BARMM Areas Face Continued Rainfall
Several provinces within BARMM, including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato City, are also expected to experience cloudy skies with intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms.
Forecast temperatures across BARMM range between 20°C and 32°C, with Lanao del Sur expected to record the coolest temperatures in Mindanao due to its higher elevation.
PAGASA noted that the combination of saturated soil conditions and recurring rainfall could increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable communities.
Northern Mindanao Sees Mixed Weather Conditions
Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental are likewise under cloudy conditions with rain showers and thunderstorms, while Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Misamis Oriental are expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures in Northern Mindanao will range from 19°C in the highlands of Bukidnon to around 32°C in coastal provinces.
Although rainfall in some areas may be isolated, PAGASA warned that thunderstorms can still bring sudden heavy rains capable of causing localized flooding.
Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga to Experience Isolated Thunderstorms
The Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, is expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Similar weather conditions are forecast across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as the provinces of Caraga Region such as Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.
Temperatures in these areas could reach between 33°C and 34°C during the daytime, creating generally warm conditions despite the possibility of afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Sea Conditions Remain Generally Favorable
Across Mindanao, winds are expected to remain light to moderate from the southwest. Sea conditions will be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 meters.
PAGASA said these conditions remain generally favorable for most small sea vessels, but mariners are still advised to exercise caution when thunderstorms develop over coastal waters.
Public Advisory
Authorities are urging residents across Mindanao to stay updated on official weather bulletins and advisories, particularly those living in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible areas.
With the Southwest Monsoon continuing to enhance rainfall over western sections of Mindanao, emergency preparedness measures should be maintained as weather conditions may rapidly change throughout the day.
PAGASA advised the public to monitor its official forecasts and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices for the latest weather-related warnings and safety instructions.