BMKG Warns of Up to 4-Meter Waves in North Maluku Waters Through Jan. 27

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), through the Class I Sultan Baabullah Meteorological Station in Ternate, has issued an early warning for severe weather and high waves in the waters of North Maluku.

Speaking on Saturday, BMKG forecaster Muhammad Fauzi Bintiang said the conditions were triggered by a wind pattern over northern Indonesia, where winds generally blow from the northwest to the northeast at speeds of $6$ to $25$ knots.

In southern Indonesia, winds are moving from the southwest to the northwest at speeds ranging from $6$ to $35$ knots, he added.

Based on Wave Height Information No. NO.B/ME.01.05/PDGT/23/KTTE/V/2026, effective from 9 a.m. WIT on Jan. 24, 2026, to 9 a.m. WIT on Jan. 27, 2026, BMKG recorded the potential for high waves in several sea areas.

Waves of $2.5$ to $4.0$ meters are likely in the waters northwest of Morotai. Meanwhile, waves of $1.25$ to $2.5$ meters may occur in the waters of the Loloda Islands, southwest Morotai, the Batang Dua Islands, west of Kayoa, west of Obi, north of Mangole, and north of Taliabu.

BMKG also warned of heightened maritime safety risks in the waters of West Halmahera, Ternate, west of Bacan, southwest of Obi, east of Sanana, east of the Halmahera Islands, northeastern and southeastern Morotai, as well as the waters of Gebe.

The agency noted that fishing boats face increased risk when wind speeds reach $15$ knots and wave height hits $1.25$ meters. Barges are considered at risk at wind speeds of $16$ knots with $1.5$-meter waves, while ferries may be at risk when winds reach $21$ knots and waves rise to $2.5$ meters.

For Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, North Maluku’s weather is forecast to be generally partly cloudy in the morning, with light rain possible in Morotai and surrounding areas.

From afternoon to early evening, conditions are expected to remain partly cloudy, with light to moderate rain possible in Morotai, the Loloda Islands, Loloda, Galela, Wasile, Maba, Falabisahaya, Taliabu, and nearby areas, he said.

Air temperatures are expected to range between $27$ and $33$ degrees Celsius, with humidity at $60$ to $100$ percent. Winds will blow from the west to the north at speeds of $10$ to $50$ kilometers per hour.

“BMKG has issued an early warning for the public to remain alert to strong winds across North Maluku, as well as rising sea waves that could exceed $2.5$ meters, particularly in the waters of Morotai, the Loloda Islands and eastern Halmahera waters,” Muhammad Fauzi said.

BMKG urged fishermen, ship operators and coastal communities to stay vigilant and postpone sailing if weather and sea conditions are deemed dangerous.

Indonesianpost.com | Antara