GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Widespread cloudy skies, rain showers, and thunderstorms are expected across Mindanao through Friday, October 9, as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) continues to influence the region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 5:00 a.m. regional weather forecast issued October 9, PAGASA’s Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD) said the forecast is valid from 5:00 a.m. Friday until 5:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10.
The weather agency warned that moderate to at times heavy rains may trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas that are already saturated or vulnerable to flooding and rain-induced slope failures.
The forecast calls for light to moderate winds from the southwest to west across Mindanao. Coastal waters are expected to range from slight to moderate, with wave heights generally between 0.6 and 2.1 meters.
PAGASA’s outlook indicates that the unsettled weather will not be confined to a single part of Mindanao, with provinces and cities across the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) expected to experience similar conditions.
Zamboanga Peninsula
Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City are forecast to have cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures are expected to range from 23°C to 31°C during the current forecast period, with some areas reaching as high as 33°C in the succeeding period.
Light to moderate winds from the southwest to west are expected, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate where specified by PAGASA.
Northern Mindanao
In Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, cloudy conditions accompanied by rain showers and thunderstorms are also expected.
Bukidnon is forecast to have temperatures of around 20°C to 29°C, rising to 19°C to 31°C in the succeeding period.
The other provinces are generally expected to experience temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius, with continued southwest-to-west winds.
Davao Region
The rainy and stormy weather pattern is likewise expected to affect Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Metro Davao and the surrounding provinces may experience temperatures from 24°C to 34°C, with Davao Oriental expected to reach as high as 34°C in the succeeding forecast period.
PAGASA forecasts cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, accompanied by light to moderate southwest-to-west winds. Coastal waters in the region are expected to remain slight to moderate where indicated.
Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental
The forecast issued by MINPRSD also covers Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental, both of which are expected to remain under cloudy conditions with rain showers and thunderstorms.
Davao de Oro may experience temperatures from 24°C to 32°C, while Davao Occidental is expected to range from 24°C to 30°C.
Both areas are forecast to have light to moderate southwest-to-west winds, with slight to moderate coastal conditions in Davao Occidental.
SOCCSKSARGEN
North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani are also expected to experience cloudy skies, rain showers, and thunderstorms.
Temperatures in the region are generally forecast to range from the low to low-30s Celsius, with North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat potentially reaching 32°C, while South Cotabato may reach 31°C.
Sarangani is expected to have temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C during the succeeding period.
The prevailing winds will remain light to moderate from the southwest to west.
Caraga Region
The entire Caraga Region is likewise expected to experience unsettled weather.
Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands are all forecast to have cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures are expected to range generally from 24°C to 32°C, while coastal areas are forecast to experience slight to moderate seas.
The combination of rain and thunderstorms could affect travel, outdoor activities, farming operations, and communities located near rivers, creeks, steep slopes, and other flood- or landslide-prone areas.
BARMM
The forecast also covers several areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur.
All listed areas are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures will generally range from the low 20s to low 30s Celsius, with Lanao del Sur among the cooler areas and Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur potentially reaching 33°C.
Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are expected to see temperatures of around 23°C to 31°C, while coastal waters in the island provinces are forecast to remain slight to moderate.
Communities urged to remain alert
With the ITCZ continuing to affect Mindanao, residents are advised to remain alert for sudden changes in weather, particularly during periods of persistent or heavy rainfall.
Communities in low-lying and flood-prone areas should monitor local advisories and be prepared for possible rapid rises in water levels. Residents near steep slopes and areas with a history of landslides should likewise exercise caution during prolonged or intense rainfall.
Motorists and commuters may also encounter reduced visibility and slippery roads during heavy showers and thunderstorms.
Fisherfolk and operators of small boats are urged to consider the forecast 0.6- to 2.1-meter coastal conditions and prevailing southwest-to-west winds when planning maritime activities.
PAGASA continues to advise the public to monitor official weather bulletins and warnings for possible changes in conditions.
The latest regional forecast was issued by PAGASA-MINPRSD in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, under the agency’s continuing mandate to monitor weather conditions and provide timely information to communities across Mindanao.