Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms will continue to affect large parts of Mindanao from Wednesday morning, December 17, until early Thursday, according to the latest regional weather forecast issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)–Mindanao. The weather system is being influenced by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and prevailing easterlies, bringing unstable conditions and the risk of flooding and landslides in several areas.
PAGASA said the Caraga Region will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to easterlies. Meanwhile, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi are expected to have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms caused by the ITCZ. Moderate to, at times, heavy rains in these areas may trigger flash floods or landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous communities.
The rest of Mindanao, including parts of Northern Mindanao and BARMM, will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also due to easterlies. PAGASA cautioned that severe thunderstorms may still result in localized flash floods or landslides.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures are expected to range from 22°C to 33°C. Winds will be light to moderate from the east to northeast, while coastal waters will be slight to moderate.
Similar weather conditions will prevail over the Davao Region, covering Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental. Daytime and nighttime temperatures will range between 22°C and 31°C, with cloudy skies, rain showers, and thunderstorms expected to persist.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rain showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures may drop to as low as 20°C in higher areas of Bukidnon, while coastal provinces may reach up to 31°C. Sea conditions along coastal areas will remain slight to moderate.
SOCCSKSARGEN provinces, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, will also be affected by cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. PAGASA warned residents to remain alert for possible flooding in flood-prone zones.
In the Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms are expected both during the day and night. Temperatures will range from 23°C to 31°C, with coastal waters remaining slight to moderate.
Parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will likewise experience unstable weather. Basilan and Tawi-Tawi will have cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, while Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms. Temperatures across BARMM may range from 20°C to 33°C.
PAGASA advised residents, local government units, and disaster response agencies to closely monitor weather updates and take precautionary measures, especially in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and rough seas. Fisherfolk and small sea vessels are also cautioned against venturing into open waters during periods of thunderstorms.
For further updates and advisories, the public is encouraged to visit the PAGASA website or contact PAGASA–Mindanao through its official communication channels.