Cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected to affect several parts of Mindanao starting early Saturday, February 28, according to the regional weather forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The weather disturbance is being driven by easterlies—warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean—which are expected to bring significant rainfall in parts of the island until 5:00 a.m. Sunday.
Areas Under Cloudy Skies and Frequent Rains
PAGASA said the Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will experience cloudy skies with rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. Similar conditions are expected in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.
Authorities warned residents in these areas to remain alert as moderate to occasionally heavy rains may trigger flash floods or landslides, especially in low-lying communities and mountainous terrain.
Temperatures in the Davao Region are expected to range between 23°C and 32°C, while winds will generally be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north. Coastal waters will remain slight to moderate, with wave heights estimated between 0.6 and 2.1 meters.
Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao Outlook
Meanwhile, areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula—including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay—will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with intermittent rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Daytime temperatures in the region may reach between 22°C and 34°C, depending on the province, with light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to north and coastal waters remaining slight to moderate.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures across these provinces are forecast to range from 18°C to 33°C.
Conditions Across Caraga, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM
In the Caraga Region, cloudy conditions with rains and thunderstorms are expected particularly in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, while nearby provinces such as Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands may experience partly cloudy skies with occasional downpours.
The SOCCSKSARGEN area, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, will have mixed weather conditions, ranging from cloudy skies with rainshowers to partly cloudy intervals with thunderstorms.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms may develop throughout the day and night.
Advisory for Residents and Fisherfolk
PAGASA advised residents across Mindanao to stay vigilant, particularly in areas prone to flooding and landslides, as thunderstorms could intensify and bring sudden heavy rainfall.
Fisherfolk and small sea vessels are also encouraged to exercise caution when venturing out to sea due to moderate winds and wave conditions in coastal waters.
Weather authorities said they will continue monitoring the easterlies affecting the region and urged the public to follow official updates for any changes in the forecast.