GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday, October 14, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning of possible flash floods and landslides in areas affected by severe thunderstorms.
In its Regional Weather Forecast for Mindanao issued at 5 a.m. on October 14, PAGASA said localized thunderstorms would bring the expected weather conditions across the island throughout the 24-hour forecast period, from 5 a.m. Wednesday until 5 a.m. Thursday, October 15.
The forecast covers the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Although partly cloudy skies are expected during some periods, conditions may become cloudy, accompanied by rain showers or thunderstorms. PAGASA cautioned that severe thunderstorms could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas, as well as those living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes, are advised to remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow advisories from local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
Light to moderate winds, generally slight to moderate seas
PAGASA forecast light to moderate winds coming from the northeast to east across Mindanao.
Coastal waters in most of the covered areas are expected to remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 meters under the regional forecast.
Despite the generally manageable sea conditions, fishers and operators of small seacraft are advised to exercise caution, particularly during thunderstorms when sudden changes in wind and weather conditions may affect navigation.
Coastal communities should also monitor local weather bulletins before undertaking fishing and other maritime activities.
Temperature forecast across Mindanao
Temperatures will vary across the island, with some inland and highland areas expected to remain relatively cooler than coastal and lowland communities.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City is forecast to experience temperatures of 25°C to 32°C during the initial forecast period, rising to 26°C to 35°C in the succeeding period. Zamboanga del Norte is expected to record 25°C to 32°C initially and 25°C to 34°C afterward.
Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay are both forecast to experience temperatures of 24°C to 31°C, increasing to 34°C at the upper end of the succeeding forecast range. Isabela City is expected to record 25°C to 31°C initially, with temperatures potentially reaching 34°C.
In Northern Mindanao, Bukidnon is forecast to have temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, increasing to a possible high of 32°C in the succeeding period. Camiguin is expected to experience 24°C to 30°C initially and 25°C to 32°C afterward.
Lanao del Norte will have temperatures of 25°C to 30°C during the initial period, potentially reaching 32°C later, while Misamis Occidental is forecast to record 25°C to 31°C initially and 25°C to 33°C in the succeeding period. Misamis Oriental will have temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C, rising to 32°C.
Across the Davao Region, Metro Davao is forecast to experience temperatures of 25°C to 31°C initially and 25°C to 33°C afterward. Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental are each expected to record initial temperatures of 25°C to 30°C, with highs potentially reaching 33°C in the succeeding period.
Davao de Oro is forecast to experience temperatures of 23°C to 31°C initially, increasing to a possible high of 34°C, while Davao Occidental is expected to record 23°C to 30°C initially and 23°C to 32°C afterward.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, North Cotabato is forecast to experience temperatures of 23°C to 30°C initially and 23°C to 32°C later. South Cotabato will have temperatures of 24°C to 30°C, potentially reaching 33°C, while Sultan Kudarat is expected to record 24°C to 31°C initially and 24°C to 33°C afterward.
Sarangani province is forecast to experience temperatures of 23°C to 31°C during the initial period, with highs potentially reaching 33°C in the succeeding forecast period.
In the Caraga Region, Agusan del Norte is expected to record temperatures of 25°C to 31°C initially and 25°C to 33°C afterward. Agusan del Sur will have temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C initially, potentially reaching 32°C later.
Surigao del Norte is forecast to experience temperatures of 26°C to 31°C initially and 26°C to 33°C afterward. Surigao del Sur will have temperatures of 24°C to 30°C initially, increasing to a possible high of 32°C, while Dinagat Islands is expected to record 26°C to 31°C initially and 26°C to 33°C in the succeeding period.
Across BARMM, Cotabato City is forecast to experience temperatures of 23°C to 30°C initially, potentially reaching 33°C afterward. Basilan is expected to record 24°C to 31°C initially and 24°C to 33°C later.
Lanao del Sur will have temperatures of 23°C to 30°C initially, rising to a possible high of 33°C. Maguindanao del Norte is forecast to record 24°C to 31°C initially and 24°C to 32°C afterward, while Maguindanao del Sur is expected to experience temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C initially and 24°C to 33°C later.
In the Sulu archipelago, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are both forecast to experience temperatures of 24°C to 31°C during the initial period, with highs potentially reaching 34°C in the succeeding forecast period.
Public urged to take precautions against flooding and landslides
PAGASA’s warning about possible flash floods and landslides underscores the need for residents to remain vigilant even when rainfall is isolated rather than widespread.
Localized thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall over limited areas, potentially causing rapid rises in water levels in creeks and rivers and flooding in communities with poor drainage. Prolonged or heavy rainfall over vulnerable slopes may also increase the risk of landslides.
Residents are advised to monitor official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, and move away from riverbanks or unstable slopes when conditions become dangerous. Communities should also follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully during heavy rain because reduced visibility, slippery roads and sudden flooding may increase the risk of road accidents.
Fisherfolk and other coastal workers should remain attentive to local marine advisories and avoid unnecessary exposure to thunderstorms while at sea.
PAGASA’s Mindanao regional forecast was issued through its Mindanao station in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental. The agency advised the public to consult its official website, bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph, or contact its published information lines at 8922-1992 and 8927-1335 for further weather information.
Residents are reminded that local weather conditions may change rapidly and that updated advisories should take precedence whenever new warnings are issued.