GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warning of possible flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms.
In its regional weather forecast for Mindanao issued at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, the PAGASA Mindanao station (MINPRSD) said localized thunderstorms would bring intermittent rainfall across the island, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The forecast is valid from 5 a.m. on October 28 until 5 a.m. on October 29. A preceding regional forecast issued at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, also indicated similar weather conditions across the region, suggesting that rain showers and thunderstorms would remain a concern into Wednesday.
PAGASA cautioned that severe thunderstorms could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, communities near waterways and locations with unstable slopes.
Residents are advised to remain alert for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially when heavy rain develops over a short period. Local government units and disaster risk reduction and management offices should continue monitoring rainfall and local conditions, particularly in flood-prone and landslide-susceptible communities.
Northeast to easterly winds, generally manageable seas
PAGASA forecast light to moderate winds coming from the northeast to east across Mindanao. Coastal waters in areas covered by the advisory are expected to have slight to moderate seas, with wave heights generally ranging from 0.6 to 2.1 meters.
Although these conditions are not indicative of uniformly rough seas, fishers, boat operators and other people traveling by sea are advised to consider local weather developments before departing. Thunderstorms may bring sudden changes in conditions, and sea travelers should follow advisories issued by authorities.
The forecast indicates that rain showers and thunderstorms may occur intermittently rather than continuously throughout the day. Partly cloudy skies may prevail between periods of cloudiness and rain.
Temperatures to reach 36°C in parts of BARMM
Several areas in Mindanao are forecast to experience warm daytime conditions despite the possibility of rain.
Maguindanao del Norte is expected to record temperatures of 24°C to 36°C, the highest forecast maximum among the listed areas. Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Sur may reach 35°C, while Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are forecast to experience maximum temperatures of 34°C to 35°C.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City may experience temperatures of 24°C to 35°C, while Zamboanga del Norte is forecast to range from 25°C to 34°C. Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay may reach 33°C, while Isabela City could record a maximum of 35°C.
Across Northern Mindanao, Bukidnon is expected to have temperatures of 22°C to 33°C, while Camiguin may experience 25°C to 33°C. Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental are forecast to reach 32°C, while Misamis Oriental may record temperatures of 25°C to 32°C.
In the Davao Region, Metro Davao and Davao del Norte are forecast to reach 34°C. Davao del Sur may experience temperatures of 25°C to 35°C, while Davao Oriental could reach 34°C. Davao de Oro is expected to have cooler conditions, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C, while Davao Occidental may reach 33°C.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, North Cotabato is forecast to experience temperatures of 24°C to 33°C. South Cotabato and Sarangani may reach 34°C, while Sultan Kudarat is also expected to record a maximum of 34°C.
Caraga will likewise experience warm conditions. Agusan del Norte may reach 34°C, Agusan del Sur 35°C, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur 34°C, and the Dinagat Islands 34°C.
Lanao del Sur is forecast to have temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C.
These temperature ranges are forecast values and do not mean that every locality will experience the same conditions throughout the day. Actual temperatures and rainfall may vary depending on local weather developments.
Communities urged to prepare for sudden downpours
The combination of warm daytime temperatures and localized thunderstorms means that some communities may experience sunny or partly cloudy periods before rainfall develops.
Residents in low-lying areas should watch for rapidly rising water levels, while people living near steep slopes should remain alert for signs of possible landslides, including ground cracks, unusual soil movement and sudden changes in water flow.
Motorists are also advised to exercise caution during heavy rain because reduced visibility and water accumulation on roads may increase travel risks. Outdoor workers, students and commuters should monitor weather updates and consider adjusting their activities when thunderstorms develop.
Fisherfolk and small-boat operators should remain attentive to local coastal conditions and any subsequent advisories from PAGASA and maritime authorities.
PAGASA emphasized the possibility of flash floods and landslides during severe thunderstorms. The warning does not mean that flooding or landslides will occur throughout Mindanao, but it underscores the need for preparedness in locations exposed to these hazards.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official weather bulletins and advisories from PAGASA and their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices for updates.