CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Large parts of Mindanao will continue to experience cloudy skies, rain showers, and thunderstorms on Wednesday as Tropical Depression “Henry” and the southwest monsoon (habagat) influence weather conditions across the island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
In its 5:00 a.m. regional weather forecast issued on July 1, PAGASA said the center of Tropical Depression Henry was estimated at 70 kilometers west-southwest of Abucay, Bataan as of 3:00 a.m.
The weather disturbance packs maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 55 kilometers per hour, and is moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour.
Although Henry is located over Luzon, PAGASA said its interaction with the southwest monsoon continues to enhance rainfall over the western section of Mindanao.
Heavy rains expected over western Mindanao
The weather bureau said Zamboanga Peninsula, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms brought about by the southwest monsoon.
Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant as moderate to at times heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities, flood-prone areas, and mountainous locations.
Thunderstorms likely across the rest of Mindanao
Meanwhile, the rest of Mindanao—including the Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, Bukidnon, and Camiguin—will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms.
PAGASA warned that while rainfall in these areas may be localized, severe thunderstorms could still generate enough precipitation to cause flash floods and landslides, especially during intense downpours.
Zamboanga Peninsula to receive persistent rainfall
Among the regions expected to experience the most persistent rainfall is the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms are forecast throughout the day and night in:
- Zamboanga City
- Zamboanga del Norte
- Zamboanga del Sur
- Zamboanga Sibugay
- Isabela City
Daytime temperatures in the region are expected to range between 24°C and 34°C, with slightly cooler conditions overnight.
Northern Mindanao under monsoon influence
Northern Mindanao provinces, particularly Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental, are likewise expected to have cloudy skies accompanied by rain showers and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.
Meanwhile, Bukidnon and Camiguin will experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
Temperatures across Northern Mindanao are forecast to range from 21°C to 32°C.
Fairer weather but isolated storms elsewhere
The Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga Region, and much of BARMM are expected to experience generally fair weather during the day, although localized thunderstorms remain possible, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
Areas under this forecast include:
- Metro Davao
- Davao del Norte
- Davao del Sur
- Davao de Oro
- Davao Occidental
- Davao Oriental
- North Cotabato
- South Cotabato
- Sultan Kudarat
- Sarangani
- Agusan del Norte
- Agusan del Sur
- Surigao del Norte
- Surigao del Sur
- Dinagat Islands
- Cotabato City
- Basilan
- Lanao del Sur
- Sulu
- Tawi-Tawi
- Maguindanao del Norte
- Maguindanao del Sur
Temperatures across these areas are expected to range between 21°C and 34°C, depending on location.
Winds and sea conditions
Throughout Mindanao, winds will remain light to moderate, blowing from the southwest to southeast, while coastal waters will be slight to moderate, with wave heights ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 meters.
These conditions remain generally favorable for most small seacraft operations, although mariners are advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms, which may produce sudden strong winds and rougher seas.
Public advised to stay alert
PAGASA urged residents, particularly those living near rivers, low-lying communities, and landslide-prone areas, to closely monitor weather advisories and prepare for possible flooding caused by prolonged or intense rainfall.
The weather bureau also reminded the public to take precautions against lightning and strong winds associated with thunderstorms and to stay updated through official PAGASA forecasts and advisories as Tropical Depression Henry continues to move northwestward.