Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early weather warning ahead of the Chinese New Year celebrations on January 29, 2025. Several regions are expected to experience extreme weather, including heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Chinese New Year, which falls on Wednesday, January 29, coincides with the country’s rainy season, a period often associated with downpours during the holiday. BMKG highlighted that the eastern regions of Indonesia are still in the peak of the rainy season, which is expected to last until February.
Adding to the wet conditions is a weak La Niña phenomenon, which BMKG predicts will persist until April 2025. While considered weak, La Niña can still bring more frequent and intense rainfall than usual.
Extreme Weather Warning
BMKG has identified areas likely to be affected by extreme weather over the holiday period. According to the agency, the following regions are at risk of extreme rainfall during the Chinese New Year at January 29, as reported by Kompas :
Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall Warnings:
- Bali
- Banten
- Bengkulu
- DKI Jakarta
- DI Yogyakarta
- West Java
- Central Java
- East Java
- West Kalimantan
- South Kalimantan
- Bangka Belitung Islands
- Riau Islands
- Lampung
- West Nusa Tenggara
- East Nusa Tenggara
- Papua
- West Sulawesi
- Central Sulawesi
- Southeast Sulawesi
- North Sulawesi
- West Sumatra
- South Sumatra.
Moderate to Heavy Rainfall Warnings:
- Gorontalo
- Central Kalimantan
- East Kalimantan
- North Kalimantan
- Maluku
- North Sumatra
- Jambi
Strong Wind Warnings:
- Central Java
- West Kalimantan
- Bangka Belitung Islands
- Riau Islands
- Maluku
Safety Precautions
BMKG urges the public to remain vigilant for potential hazards, such as torrential rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds during the holiday and celebrations. Residents in disaster-prone areas are advised to stay prepared for hydrometeorological disasters, including floods, flash floods, and landslides, which can occur without warning.
Read Also:
Indonesia Weather Alert! Tidal Flooding Expected Until Late January 2025
As extreme rainfall expected to occur, BMKG recommends regularly checking weather updates to ensure safety especially for those planning outdoor activities or travel during the Chinese New Year holiday, .
(Raidi/Agung)
