A weather system driven by easterlies is set to bring widespread rain showers and thunderstorms across Mindanao, with state meteorologists warning of possible flash floods and landslides in several areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
In its 5:00 a.m. regional forecast issued Friday, PAGASA said the eastern sections of Mindanao—particularly Caraga and Davao Oriental—will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the day until Saturday morning. These areas are expected to receive moderate to at times heavy rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding and landslides, especially in low-lying and mountainous communities.
The rest of Mindanao, including Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. While generally less intense, PAGASA cautioned that severe thunderstorms could still trigger localized flash floods or landslides.
Eastern Mindanao Under Closer Watch
Provinces in the Caraga region such as Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands are forecast to experience persistent cloudiness and frequent rain showers. Similarly, Davao Oriental will remain under cloudy conditions with recurring thunderstorms.
Metro Davao and nearby provinces—including Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental—will see intermittent rains, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to as high as 35°C.
Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao Expect Intermittent Rains
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, weather conditions will range from partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to range between 24°C and 35°C.
Northern Mindanao provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience similar weather patterns, with temperatures between 21°C and 33°C.
SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM: Warm but Unsettled
In SOCCSKSARGEN, including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, intermittent rains and thunderstorms are expected, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 35°C.
BARMM areas such as Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi will likewise have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Sea Conditions and Winds
Across Mindanao, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast. Coastal waters will be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters—generally safe for small sea vessels, though caution is still advised during thunderstorms.
Public Advisory
PAGASA urged residents, particularly those in landslide- and flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and monitor local weather updates. Fisherfolk and small boat operators were also advised to exercise caution when venturing out to sea, especially during periods of thunderstorms.
The weather bureau continues to monitor the easterlies, a warm and humid air mass coming from the Pacific Ocean, which is currently influencing weather patterns across the country.