Weather Update: ITCZ Affecting Visayas, Isolated Rains and Thunderstorms Expected

 

ITCZ Brings Cloudy Skies, Rains to Visayas; Flash Flood, Landslide Risk Flagged

CEBU — Keep an umbrella handy today, Cebuanos. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is affecting Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

In its 4:00 AM forecast issued September 30, 2026, PAGASA said the Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Palawan will have cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Moderate to at times heavy rains may trigger flash floods or landslides in these areas.

The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also caused by the ITCZ. Flash floods or landslides are possible during severe thunderstorms.

What This Means for Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte

PAGASA's forecast does not name Cebu, Bohol, or Leyte individually. Among Visayas areas, only the Negros Island Region is singled out, so the three provinces fall under "the rest of the Visayas" in the rain forecast.

"Isolated" means only some areas will get rain, so some communities may see brief showers or thunderstorms while others stay dry. Flash floods and landslides are possible only if severe thunderstorms develop. Still, residents in low-lying areas, near rivers, or on slopes should stay alert.

The Negros Island Region has the wetter forecast, with scattered rains and thunderstorms and the possibility of moderate to at times heavy rains.

Wind and Sea Conditions

For the eastern sections of the Visayas and Mindanao, PAGASA forecasts light to moderate winds from the northeast to northwest. Coastal waters will be slight to moderate, with waves of 0.6 to 1.2 meters.

The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao will have light to moderate winds with variable direction. Coastal waters will be the same, slight to moderate at 0.6 to 1.2 meters.

The release does not specify which areas count as the "eastern sections," so check PAGASA's site for details on your area.

Tropical Depression Outside PAR

PAGASA is also monitoring a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). As of 3:00 AM today, it was 3,315 kilometers east of Central Luzon (15.6°N, 152.6°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 55 km/h, and is moving west-southwestward at 10 km/h.

The forecast does not say whether it will enter PAR or affect the country.

Tips for Readers

(These are our suggestions, not PAGASA's advisories.)

Carry an umbrella or raincoat.

Watch for sudden heavy rain if you live near rivers, creeks, or slopes.

Fishers and small boat operators should check local advisories before heading out.

Follow PAGASA and your local disaster risk reduction and management office for updates.

For more weather information, visit pagasa.dost.gov.ph or bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph, or call (02) 927-1335 or (02) 926-4258.

QUICK SUMMARY

What: PAGASA's 24-hour public weather forecast; ITCZ bringing cloudy skies and rains

Where: Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao

When: Issued 4:00 AM, September 30, 2026

Impact on Visayas: Negros Island Region has scattered rains and thunderstorms. The rest of the Visayas has isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, with possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. Coastal waters are slight to moderate (0.6 to 1.2 meters).

Source: PAGASA, 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast, via National PIO/PCO

Source: Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), through the National PIO/PCO