BMKG Warns of Peak Heat in Jakarta During September–October
00:00
00:00
- BMKG predicts Jakarta will face increased heat and humidity during the peak of the dry season, especially in September and October due to El Niño.
- Reduced rainfall during the dry season may worsen air quality in Jakarta, as pollutants are not naturally cleared from the atmosphere.
- While El Niño may slightly reduce rainfall during the upcoming wet season, BMKG says overall levels should remain sufficient for most sectors.
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has warned that Jakarta is likely to experience more intense heat and discomfort during the peak of the dry season, particularly between late September and October.
Speaking during an online press conference on Wednesday, BMKG Deputy for Climatology Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan explained that the impact of El Niño in Jakarta would be similar to other regions across Java. He noted that northern parts of the capital have already entered the dry season since May, while southern areas followed in June.
“Jakarta typically feels more ‘stifling’ or humid toward the end of September into October. This happens because the sun’s position is directly above Java during that period,” Ardhasena said.
Distinct Dry Season Pattern in Java
Ardhasena highlighted that July and August are characterized by notably dry conditions across Java, driven by minimal rainfall and declining humidity levels.
“This is a typical pattern during the peak of the dry season in Java. However, temperatures tend to rise again in September and October,” he added.
He also pointed out that reduced rainfall during this period prevents pollutants from being washed out of the atmosphere. As a result, air quality may deteriorate due to the absence of natural cleansing from rain.
Rainfall Outlook During El Niño
BMKG forecasts that El Niño conditions will begin to develop in mid-2026 and persist into early 2027. However, the agency has not yet released its official forecast for the upcoming rainy season, which is expected in August.
Based on climatological trends, Ardhasena explained that rainfall during an El Niño-affected wet season tends to decline slightly in total accumulation. Nonetheless, the reduction is generally not drastic enough to significantly disrupt sectors that rely on high rainfall, such as agriculture.
“Although rainfall may decrease during El Niño, overall levels remain relatively sufficient,” he said.
He added that, under normal conditions, parts of Sumatra—particularly Jambi and South Sumatra—typically begin transitioning into the rainy season around October from the western region.
Indonesianpost.com | Detik
