Residents across Mindanao should brace for isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms over the next 24 hours as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasted partly cloudy to cloudy skies caused by localized thunderstorms.
In its Regional Weather Forecast issued at 5:00 a.m. on May 18, PAGASA-Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD) said the entire Mindanao island will continue to experience unstable weather conditions that may trigger sudden heavy rains, especially during the afternoon and evening.
Weather forecasters warned that severe thunderstorms could lead to flash floods and landslides in vulnerable and low-lying areas, particularly in mountainous and flood-prone communities.
PAGASA said winds across Mindanao will remain light to moderate coming from the southeast to southwest, while coastal waters are expected to be slight to moderate with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters, making sea travel generally manageable but still requiring caution during thunderstorms.
Areas under the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, are expected to experience partly cloudy skies that may become cloudy at times with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures in these areas may range from 24°C to as high as 36°C before slightly cooling overnight.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental are likewise expected to experience unstable weather conditions. Bukidnon and North Cotabato are among the hottest areas forecasted, with temperatures possibly reaching 36°C during the day.
The Davao Region, including Metro Davao, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental, will also have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with intermittent rainshowers and thunderstorms. Temperatures across the region may range between 24°C and 34°C.
Meanwhile, the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, particularly South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and North Cotabato, will continue to experience humid and warm conditions accompanied by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA said some areas may experience sudden downpours despite sunny conditions earlier in the day.
In the Caraga Region, including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, thunderstorms may intensify later in the afternoon and evening. Coastal communities were advised to monitor weather advisories, especially those dependent on small fishing vessels.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Cotabato City, will likewise experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.
PAGASA reminded the public to remain vigilant against lightning strikes, sudden flooding, and rain-induced landslides, particularly in areas previously affected by continuous rains.
Authorities also urged motorists and sea travelers to exercise caution during thunderstorms as visibility and road conditions may suddenly deteriorate.
The weather bureau advised residents to continue monitoring official PAGASA bulletins and local disaster risk reduction offices for updated weather advisories and emergency warnings.