Beware! Extreme Weather and Tidal Flooding Potentially Occurring in 10 Pantura Regions of Central Java
The Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning regarding the potential for extreme weather in 10 regions of Central Java, as well as an increase in the sea level surge phenomenon or tidal flooding (rob) in the northern coastal areas (Pantura) on Wednesday (8/4). The public is urged to heighten vigilance against hydrometeorological disaster threats such as flooding, landslides, and tornadoes.
Based on BMKG’s weather forecast data, morning conditions are generally cloudy with the potential for light rain in the Solo Raya area. However, from afternoon to early evening, light to moderate intensity rain is predicted to cover Central Java evenly, with varying timings.
Forecaster at the BMKG Ahmad Yani Meteorological Station in Semarang, Arif N, stated that extreme weather in the form of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning is likely to occur in 10 main points, especially in mountainous and highland areas.
The 10 regions in question include: [Note: Specific list not detailed in the article]
“Meanwhile, other areas in Central Java still have the chance of being hit by light to moderate intensity rain,” said Arif.
In addition to extreme weather on land, a serious threat also comes from the northern coast of Central Java. Forecaster at the BMKG Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang, Retna Swasti Karini, warned of an increase in sea water tide height (rob).
Residents in the Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Demak, Jepara, and Pati areas are asked to be alert to tidal flooding predicted to increase over the next few days.
Retna explained that the peak of the rob is estimated to occur from 14:00 to 17:00 WIB with a height reaching 1 metre. This condition not only risks submerging dozens of villages but also potentially disrupts economic activities and transportation.
“This rob can disrupt transportation, loading and unloading activities at ports, and impact onshore aquaculture and salt farmers,” explained Retna.
Technically, BMKG recorded winds blowing from the northeast to southeast at speeds ranging from 5 to 25 kilometres per hour. Air temperatures in Central Java are in the range of 18-33 degrees Celsius with humidity reaching 60-95 percent.
For sea conditions, wave heights in the northern waters of Central Java are monitored as relatively calm at 0.1-0.5 metres, while in the southern waters of Central Java, waves reach 0.5-1.25 metres. The public is advised to continue monitoring weather developments through official BMKG channels to minimise disaster risks.