MINDANAO — Several areas across Mindanao, particularly Caraga, the Davao Region, and Sarangani, are expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms on Sunday, November 15, as the Easterlies continue to influence weather conditions over the island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its Regional Weather Forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. on November 15, PAGASA’s Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD) warned that moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides in areas affected by persistent or intense rain. The agency also cautioned that the rest of Mindanao could experience flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.
The forecast covers the 24-hour period from 5:00 a.m. on Sunday until 5:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16.
Caraga is among the areas expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. The same weather conditions are expected across the Davao Region and Sarangani, raising the possibility of localized flooding, particularly in low-lying communities and areas near waterways, as well as landslides in vulnerable mountainous and elevated locations.
In the Davao Region, Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are forecast to range from 22°C to 36°C, with Davao Occidental potentially recording the highest temperature in the region.
Sarangani is likewise expected to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 36°C.
Across Caraga, cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands. Temperatures are expected to range from 24°C to 34°C, depending on the province and time of day.
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will generally experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City are expected to experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy conditions, accompanied by rain showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures could reach 35°C in several areas.
Northern Mindanao provinces, including Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, are also expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Bukidnon may record temperatures between 22°C and 33°C, while the other provinces could reach temperatures of up to 34°C.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat are forecast to experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Sarangani, however, is expected to have more widespread cloudy conditions with rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures across the region could reach 36°C.
For BARMM, Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur are expected to experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rain showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures across these areas could reach 36°C, particularly in Maguindanao del Norte.
Winds, coastal conditions and public safety reminders
PAGASA said light to moderate winds from the east to northeast will prevail across Mindanao, while coastal waters are generally expected to remain slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 meters.
Although these sea conditions are generally described as slight to moderate, fishermen, small fishing boat operators, and other people engaged in maritime activities are advised to remain cautious, particularly when thunderstorms develop or weather conditions deteriorate.
Residents in flood-prone communities are advised to monitor rainfall conditions and remain alert for possible sudden rises in rivers and waterways. Those living near steep slopes, mountain areas, and landslide-prone locations should also watch for signs of ground instability, especially after prolonged or heavy rainfall.
Motorists are likewise encouraged to exercise caution on roads with poor visibility, slippery surfaces, and possible flooding during thunderstorms. Outdoor activities should be planned carefully, as thunderstorms may develop even in areas where partly cloudy conditions are initially expected.
The public is urged to follow official weather bulletins, rainfall warnings, flood advisories, and other relevant updates from PAGASA and local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
The forecast was issued by PAGASA’s Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD), based in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
For additional weather information and updates, the public may visit PAGASA’s official website at https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ or contact the agency through its published telephone numbers, 8922-1992 and 8927-1335.