2 weeks Ago By David Ezra M. Francisquete
A LARGE part of Southern Mindanao, including the Davao Region, is forecast to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the prevailing Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported on Thursday, April 24, 2025. In its latest weather bulletin, Pagasa said the ITCZ will primarily affect southern Mindanao, including provinces such as Davao Occidental, while the easterlies will influence weather conditions over the rest of the country. Davao Occidental, along with Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, can expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms throughout the day.
Residents in these areas are advised to remain alert for potential flash floods and landslides caused by moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall. The remainder of Mindanao, including other parts of the Davao Region, will see partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms also due to the ITCZ. Severe thunderstorms may trigger localized flooding and landslides, especially in flood-prone and mountainous areas.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by easterlies. Pagasa also warned of similar flash flood and landslide risks during intense thunderstorms. Wind conditions across the Visayas and Mindanao will be light to moderate, blowing from the east to northeast, with coastal waters expected to be slight to moderate.
In Luzon, the eastern section will see winds coming from the east to southeast, while the rest of Luzon will experience east to northeast winds, both with slight to moderate sea conditions. Despite the increased cloud cover and rainfall due to the ITCZ, the state weather bureau cautioned the public about soaring heat index levels. Across the country, heat indices range between 34 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius.
In the Davao Region, temperatures have remained uncomfortably high in recent weeks, with heat indices recorded between 35 and 42 degrees. These conditions elevate the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly during peak afternoon hours. Pagasa advises residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and monitor weather updates regularly.
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