DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Residents across Mindanao should prepare for another day of unsettled weather as the southwest monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect the island, bringing cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms that could trigger flash floods and landslides, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its Regional Weather Forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. on July 23, 2026, PAGASA-Mindanao said the southwest monsoon remains the dominant weather system affecting the entire island. Meanwhile, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was monitored approximately 940 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon as of 3:00 p.m., located at 14.2°N, 132.9°E.
Although the LPA is still far from Mindanao, PAGASA said the enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms across the region until Friday morning.
Forecasters warned that periods of moderate to at times heavy rainfall may occur, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and overflowing rivers, particularly in flood-prone and mountainous communities.
Authorities are urging residents living near rivers, low-lying areas, and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant, monitor official weather advisories, and prepare for possible evacuation should heavy rainfall persist.
Light to moderate winds blowing from the west to southwest are expected across most of Mindanao, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters. Although sea conditions remain generally manageable, PAGASA advised small fishing boats and other light marine vessels to exercise caution, especially during thunderstorms that may produce sudden strong winds and rough seas.
Rainy Conditions Expected Across All Mindanao Regions
The weather bureau said nearly all provinces and cities in Mindanao will experience similar weather conditions throughout the forecast period.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, residents can expect cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate southwest winds. Daytime temperatures are forecast to range between 29°C and 33°C, while nighttime temperatures may fall between 23°C and 26°C.
Across Northern Mindanao, including Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, cloudy skies and intermittent rain showers will prevail. Temperatures are expected to range from 22°C to 31°C, with winds remaining light to moderate from the west to southwest.
The Davao Region, covering Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will also experience widespread cloudiness and thunderstorms. Temperatures will generally range from 24°C to 33°C, while coastal waters are expected to remain slight to moderate.
Residents in SOCCSKSARGEN, particularly in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, should likewise anticipate rainy weather brought by the southwest monsoon. Temperatures across the region are forecast between 23°C and 32°C, with localized thunderstorms likely during the afternoon and evening.
The Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will continue to experience cloudy conditions with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Temperatures may reach as high as 33°C, despite intermittent rainfall.
Similar weather conditions are expected throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), covering Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Forecast temperatures across the region range from 20°C in the highland areas of Lanao del Sur to 32°C in other provinces.
Thunderstorms Could Develop Suddenly
PAGASA reminded the public that thunderstorms may develop rapidly, bringing intense rainfall, lightning, gusty winds, and reduced visibility over affected areas.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution on slippery roads, while communities living near waterways should closely monitor water levels during prolonged rainfall.
Disaster risk reduction and management offices are also encouraged to remain on heightened alert as localized flooding and landslides remain possible in vulnerable areas, especially where saturated soil conditions persist from previous rains.
PAGASA continues to monitor the Low Pressure Area east of Luzon and advised the public to stay updated through official weather bulletins as changes in the weather systems may influence rainfall across the country in the coming days.