MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has forecast widespread rain showers and thunderstorms across Mindanao from Saturday morning, May 2, until early Sunday, with heavier conditions expected in eastern sections due to prevailing easterlies.
In its 5:00 a.m. regional weather bulletin, PAGASA said the Caraga Region and Davao Oriental will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the forecast period. These areas are at heightened risk of flash floods and landslides as rainfall may become moderate to, at times, heavy.
The rest of Mindanao, including Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN, BARMM, and other parts of the Davao Region, will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. While generally less intense, PAGASA warned that severe thunderstorms could still trigger localized flooding and landslides.
Winds across the island will remain light to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast, with coastal waters expected to be slight to moderate, ranging from 0.6 to 1.8 meters.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, temperatures are expected to range between 24°C and 35°C, accompanied by intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms.
Northern Mindanao provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience similar weather patterns, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 33°C.
In the Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, cloudy to partly cloudy conditions will prevail. Davao Oriental, however, will bear the brunt of more persistent rains and thunderstorms, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 34°C.
Meanwhile, other provinces including North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao such as Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, will experience isolated rain showers with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C.
In Caraga, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, persistent cloudy skies with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms are expected, increasing the likelihood of weather-related hazards.
PAGASA advised residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those near rivers, low-lying communities, and landslide-prone slopes, to remain alert and take precautionary measures as unstable weather conditions persist due to the easterlies.