Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning on Monday, January 13, 2025 for extreme weather expected to hit various regions across Indonesia.
The agency forecasts varying intensities of rainfall, from light to heavy, accompanied by thunderstorms in major cities across the archipelago.
Rainfall Predictions for Cities
BMKG meteorologist Cindi Indah Pratiwi reported that 22 cities are expected to experience light rainfall, with precipitation rates below 2.5 mm per hour. These include Banda Aceh, Jambi, Bengkulu, Jakarta, Serang, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Mataram, Pontianak, Samarinda, Banjarmasin, Palu, Gorontalo, Kendari, Makassar, Ambon, Manokwari, Sorong, Jayawijaya, Jayapura, and Merauke.
Moderate rainfall, exceeding 4.0 mm per hour, is predicted for five cities: Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Mamuju, and Nabire.
More intense and extreme conditions are expected in 11 cities, including Tanjung Pinang, Palembang, Pangkal Pinang, Lampung, Bandung, Denpasar, Kupang, Tanjung Selor, Palangka Raya, Manado, and Ternate, with heavy rain and thunderstorms bringing over 50 mm of precipitation per hour.
Extreme Weather Phenomena
BMKG attributes this extreme weather to Tropical Cyclone 97S, detected in the Indian Ocean southwest of Banten. The system is characterized by maximum wind speeds of 20 knots and an atmospheric pressure of 1,002 hPa.
Read also : Indonesia Weather Alert! Cyclone 97S and Intense Monsoon Lead to Heavy Rainfall
Additionally, a tropical disturbance, labeled as a “suspect area,” has been identified south of West Nusa Tenggara, with wind speeds reaching 15 knots and a minimum pressure of 1,005 hPa.
“This atmospheric dynamic is causing enhanced cloud formation, heavy rainfall, and high ocean waves, triggering extreme weather across much of Indonesia,” Pratiwi said in a BMKG broadcast.
Converging winds from the Indian Ocean south of Java to the Savu Sea and cyclonic circulation extending from the Indian Ocean southwest of Aceh to northern Papua are further intensifying the situation.
Flood and Maritime Warnings Issued
BMKG has also issued specific warnings about coastal flooding (rob) in several regions. Areas on high alert include Riau Islands, West Sumatra, Jambi, Bangka Belitung Islands, Lampung, Banten, Jakarta, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, Maluku, and North Maluku.
The maritime sector is urged to exercise caution, as wave heights are forecasted to reach 4 to 6 meters in certain areas, including the Andaman Sea, waters north of Aceh, the South China Sea, and the northern Strait of Malacca.
The high waves are fueled by wind speeds reaching up to 25 knots in these regions, posing significant risks to shipping and fishing activities.
BMKG continues to monitor the situation closely and advises the public and maritime sectors to stay vigilant and follow updates on weather conditions.
(Raidi/Agung)
