The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA has forecast partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms across Mindanao from 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, until 5:00 a.m. Thursday, May 21, due to localized thunderstorms.
In its Regional Weather Forecast issued by the Mindanao Regional Services Division (MINPRSD), PAGASA warned residents that severe thunderstorms may trigger flash floods and landslides in vulnerable and low-lying areas, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
The weather bureau said winds across Mindanao will generally be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north, while coastal waters will remain slight to moderate with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
Across the Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, residents can expect intermittent cloudy conditions with possible rainshowers and thunderstorms throughout the day and night. Daytime temperatures in the region are expected to range from 25°C to 34°C.
In Northern Mindanao, provinces such as Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will also experience isolated thunderstorms. Misamis Occidental is expected to record one of the highest daytime temperatures in the region at 35°C, while Bukidnon may experience cooler temperatures between 21°C and 32°C.
The Davao Region, including Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Davao City under Metro Davao, will continue to experience unstable weather conditions. Davao del Norte may reach up to 36°C during the day, making it among the hottest areas in Mindanao for the forecast period.
In the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, weather conditions are expected to remain generally fair but with chances of sudden thunderstorms in North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani. Temperatures in these areas may range from 24°C to 33°C.
Meanwhile, the Caraga Region, particularly Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands, will also experience occasional rainshowers and thunderstorms brought by localized weather systems. Agusan del Sur is forecast to have temperatures reaching as high as 35°C.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM, including Cotabato City, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte, and Maguindanao del Sur, similar weather conditions are expected with isolated thunderstorms likely in the afternoon or evening hours.
PAGASA advised the public, especially those living near rivers, mountain slopes, and flood-prone communities, to remain alert for possible flooding and landslides during severe thunderstorms. Fisherfolk and small sea vessels were also advised to exercise caution as coastal waters may become rough during thunderstorm activity.