Indonesia Braces for Heavy Rainfall as Cyclones Loom
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is warning residents to be on high alert for potentially heavy to very heavy rainfall across several regions, beginning . The forecast comes as the country continues to be influenced by both La Niña conditions and the active Asian Monsoon.
The BMKG has specifically identified West Java, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) as areas particularly vulnerable to significant rainfall. The agency attributes the heightened risk to regional atmospheric dynamics, including the indirect influence of Tropical Cyclone Penha and the strengthening of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell off the coast of Western Australia.
While Tropical Cyclone Penha, currently located in the central Philippines, is expected to weaken and dissipate within the next 24 hours, the BMKG notes it continues to affect regional wind patterns and contribute to cloud formation over parts of Indonesia.
More concerning is the development of Tropical Cyclone Mitchell, which is intensifying in waters west of Australia. The BMKG predicts Mitchell will strengthen to a category 3 cyclone within the next 24 hours. The presence of this cyclone is creating a convergence zone – an area where winds meet – that is increasing the potential for heavy rainfall, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the archipelago.
Areas at Risk
The BMKG is urging increased preparedness for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the following regions:
- Jawa Barat (West Java)
- Jawa Timur (East Java)
- Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
Heavy rainfall carries the risk of hydrometeorological hazards such as flooding, standing water, and landslides, potentially disrupting daily life. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
City-Specific Forecasts
The BMKG forecasts thunderstorms are likely in Pekanbaru, Bandar Lampung, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Mamuju, and Kupang. Lighter rainfall, ranging from light to moderate, is expected in Medan, Palembang, Bengkulu, Denpasar, and Merauke, as well as across parts of Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.
Cloudy conditions, and potentially thick cloud cover, are predicted for Banda Aceh and Pontianak. Palu is expected to experience foggy conditions, which could reduce visibility.
| Kota Besar (City) | Wilayah (Region) | Prakiraan Cuaca (Weather Forecast) |
|---|---|---|
| Pekanbaru, Surabaya, Banjarmasin | Barat/Tengah (West/Central) | ⚡ Hujan Petir (Thunderstorms) |
| Bandar Lampung, Samarinda | Barat/Tengah (West/Central) | ⚡ Hujan Petir (Thunderstorms) |
| Mamuju, Kupang | Timur (East) | ⚡ Hujan Petir (Thunderstorms) |
| Jambi | Sumatera (Sumatra) | ☁️ Potensi Petir (Potential Thunderstorms) |
| Denpasar, Merauke | Tengah/Timur (Central/East) | 🌧️ Hujan Sedang (Moderate Rain) |
| Medan, Palembang, Bengkulu | Sumatera (Sumatra) | 🌦️ Hujan Ringan (Light Rain) |
| Palangkaraya, Tanjung Selor | Kalimantan (Kalimantan) | 🌦️ Hujan Ringan (Light Rain) |
| Banda Aceh, Pontianak | Barat (West) | ☁️ Berawan Tebal (Thick Clouds) |
| Padang, Palu | Barat/Tengah (West/Central) | 🌫️ Berkabut (Foggy) |
The BMKG urges the public to stay informed about the latest weather developments, increase vigilance against heavy rain and lightning, and adjust outdoor activities accordingly. Updated weather forecasts and early warnings are available on the BMKG’s official website and social media channels (@infobmkg).
