EL SALVADOR CITY, Misamis Oriental — Large parts of Mindanao are expected to experience unsettled weather conditions on Saturday, August 8, with partly cloudy to cloudy skies, isolated rainshowers and localized thunderstorms prevailing across the region, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The Mindanao Regional Weather Forecast (MINPRSD), issued at 5:00 a.m. on August 8, covers the period from 5:00 a.m. Saturday until 5:00 a.m. Sunday, August 9.
PAGASA warned that some thunderstorms could become severe enough to trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in areas that receive intense or prolonged rainfall.
The weather agency also forecast moderate to strong winds from the southwest, accompanied by moderate to rough seas ranging from 1.2 to 2.8 meters, raising concerns for sea travel, fishing activities and communities in exposed coastal areas.
Thunderstorms to affect wide areas
Across Mindanao, skies are generally expected to remain partly cloudy to at times cloudy, with rainshowers or thunderstorms occurring in different areas throughout the forecast period.
The combination of localized thunderstorms and strong southwest winds means that weather conditions may change rapidly, with periods of sunshine potentially followed by sudden heavy rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms.
PAGASA’s warning regarding possible flash floods and landslides is particularly important for communities near rivers, streams, steep slopes and other flood- or landslide-prone areas.
Residents are urged to remain alert during thunderstorms and to avoid crossing swollen rivers and waterways when heavy rain occurs.
Zamboanga Peninsula faces thunderstorms and rough seas
The entire Zamboanga Peninsula is expected to experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rainshowers or thunderstorms.
In Zamboanga City, temperatures are expected to range from 26°C to 32°C during the day, increasing to as high as 34°C in the following period. Moderate to strong southwest winds are expected, while coastal waters will remain moderate to rough.
Zamboanga del Norte may see temperatures between 25°C and 33°C, rising to 35°C, while Zamboanga del Sur is forecast to range from 25°C to 30°C, increasing to 32°C.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, temperatures could reach 31°C to 33°C, while Isabela City may experience temperatures between 25°C and 33°C, rising to 35°C.
The combination of thunderstorms, strong winds and moderate to rough seas could pose additional risks to small fishing boats and other vessels operating in coastal waters.
Northern Mindanao remains unsettled
The same generally unsettled weather pattern is expected over Northern Mindanao.
Bukidnon is forecast to have temperatures ranging from 22°C to 27°C, rising to 28°C, while Lanao del Norte could experience temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, reaching 32°C.
Misamis Occidental is expected to range from 24°C to 31°C, increasing to 33°C, while Misamis Oriental may reach 32°C to 34°C.
Camiguin is forecast to experience temperatures between 26°C and 32°C, rising to 34°C, with moderate to strong southwest winds and moderate to rough coastal waters.
Davao Region under similar weather conditions
The entire Davao Region is also expected to experience isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms.
Metro Davao could see temperatures between 27°C and 31°C, increasing to 33°C. Meanwhile, Davao del Norte may range from 25°C to 32°C, reaching 34°C.
Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental are both forecast to experience temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C, increasing to around 32°C.
Davao de Oro may see temperatures between 23°C and 30°C, rising to 32°C, while Davao Occidental is expected to range from 25°C to 30°C, increasing to 32°C.
Moderate to strong southwest winds and moderate to rough seas are expected in coastal areas of the region.
SOCCSKSARGEN also faces thunderstorms
In SOCCSKSARGEN, residents should likewise prepare for periods of rain and thunderstorms.
North Cotabato is forecast to experience temperatures from 24°C to 31°C, increasing to 33°C.
South Cotabato may range from 25°C to 30°C, rising to 32°C, while Sultan Kudarat could experience 23°C to 30°C, increasing to 32°C.
In Sarangani, temperatures are expected to range from 25°C to 31°C, reaching 33°C in the following period.
Coastal areas will experience moderate to rough seas, with winds generally coming from the south to southwest.
Caraga to see thunderstorms, rough seas
The Caraga Region is also included in the forecast for widespread potential thunderstorm activity.
Agusan del Norte is expected to experience temperatures between 25°C and 33°C, rising to 35°C, while Agusan del Sur may reach 33°C to 35°C.
Surigao del Norte is forecast to range from 27°C to 33°C, increasing to 35°C.
Surigao del Sur could experience temperatures from 25°C to 34°C, with the mercury potentially reaching 36°C, making it one of the warmest areas in the regional forecast.
The Dinagat Islands are expected to have temperatures between 28°C and 30°C, rising to 32°C, with moderate to strong southwest winds and moderate to rough seas.
BARMM provinces remain vulnerable to heavy thunderstorms
Several areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are likewise expected to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, rainshowers and thunderstorms.
Cotabato City may experience temperatures from 24°C to 31°C, rising to 33°C, while Basilan is expected to range from 24°C to 31°C, increasing to 33°C.
Lanao del Sur is forecast to be among the cooler areas, with temperatures between 23°C and 28°C, rising to 30°C.
In Sulu, temperatures are expected to range from 27°C to 32°C, increasing to 34°C, while Tawi-Tawi may experience temperatures between 28°C and 32°C, rising to 33°C.
Maguindanao del Norte could reach 33°C to 35°C, while Maguindanao del Sur may experience temperatures from 25°C to 33°C, increasing to 35°C.
Coastal areas across BARMM are expected to experience moderate to rough seas, requiring caution from fishermen, boat operators and passengers.
Public urged to exercise caution
With thunderstorms forecast across virtually all parts of Mindanao, authorities and residents are advised to closely monitor weather developments, particularly during periods of darkening skies, strong winds and intense rainfall.
PAGASA’s warning that severe thunderstorms could cause flash floods and landslides underscores the need for heightened preparedness, especially in communities located near waterways, steep terrain and other hazard-prone areas.
Motorists should exercise extra caution on roads during heavy downpours because sudden flooding and reduced visibility can make travel dangerous.
Fishermen and small boat operators are likewise advised to assess sea and wind conditions before venturing offshore, as moderate to rough seas of 1.2 to 2.8 meters are expected across Mindanao’s coastal waters.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official PAGASA bulletins and advisories and to follow instructions from local disaster risk reduction and management offices should hazardous weather develop.
For official updates and additional information, PAGASA’s Mindanao regional office may be reached through 8922-1992 and 8927-1335, or through the agency’s official website.