COTABATO CITY – Most parts of Mindanao will continue to experience generally fair weather interrupted by isolated rainshowers and localized thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Weather Forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Mindanao at 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18.
The forecast, valid until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, indicates that the entire island will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or localized thunderstorms, conditions that are typical during the rainy season due to localized convective activity.
Despite the generally fair weather outlook, PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms may trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities, flood-prone areas, and mountainous terrain.
Across Mindanao, light to moderate winds blowing from the south to southwest will prevail, while surrounding coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters, making sea travel generally safe for small fishing vessels, although mariners are still advised to remain alert for sudden thunderstorms that could produce rougher sea conditions.
Thunderstorms expected across all regions
Weather conditions are expected to remain largely uniform throughout Mindanao, affecting the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Residents in Zamboanga City, Isabela City, and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay can expect partly cloudy skies that may become cloudy at times with rainshowers or thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will range from 24°C to 33°C, gradually cooling to 24°C to 31°C overnight.
In Northern Mindanao, the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will experience similar weather conditions. Bukidnon is forecast to have one of the coolest temperatures in the region, with lows reaching 20°C, while the coastal provinces may see daytime highs of 33°C. Camiguin will initially have partly cloudy skies before isolated thunderstorms develop later in the day.
The Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures across the region will generally range between 24°C and 33°C, accompanied by light to moderate southwesterly winds and slight to moderate coastal waters.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, localized thunderstorms remain possible throughout the day and night. Temperatures are expected to range from 23°C to 33°C, while South Cotabato could reach a daytime high of 33°C.
The Caraga Region is forecast to be among the warmest areas in Mindanao. Surigao del Sur could record temperatures as high as 35°C, while Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte may reach 34°C. Despite the hot conditions, afternoon and evening thunderstorms remain likely.
Meanwhile, 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, residents should also expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms. Lanao del Sur is expected to have the coolest temperatures in BARMM, ranging from 23°C to 28°C, while the rest of the region will generally experience temperatures between 22°C and 32°C.
Public advised to remain vigilant
PAGASA urged residents throughout Mindanao to remain vigilant despite the absence of any major weather disturbance affecting the island.
Localized thunderstorms can rapidly develop during the afternoon or evening, producing intense rainfall, lightning, strong gusty winds, and reduced visibility. These conditions may lead to flash floods in urban and low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous or previously saturated areas.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution on slippery roads during heavy downpours, while farmers, fisherfolk, and those planning outdoor activities should closely monitor the latest weather bulletins for updates.
The regional weather forecast remains in effect until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, with PAGASA continuing to monitor any significant changes in weather conditions across Mindanao.