Beware of Extreme Weather and Tidal Flooding, 32 Areas in Central Java at Risk
The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has warned of the potential for extreme weather in 32 areas across Central Java on Wednesday (22/4). In addition, flooding due to high tides (rob) is still occurring in the northern coastal regions (Pantura) and could disrupt residents’ activities.
Forecaster at the BMKG Ahmad Yani Meteorological Station in Semarang, Risca Maulida, stated that extreme weather in the form of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning is likely to occur from afternoon until evening. “During this transitional season, extreme weather remains a serious threat, so the public needs to be alert to hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, landslides, and tornadoes,” she said.
She explained that since morning, several areas have been hit by light to moderate rain. Rain intensity is expected to increase in the afternoon to early evening, particularly in the Pantura region, Solo Raya, southern, central, western, mountainous areas, and highlands of Central Java.
The 32 areas potentially experiencing extreme weather include Banyumas, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Wonosobo, Boyolali, Klaten, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Sragen, Grobogan, Blora, Rembang, Pati, Kudus, Jepara, Temanggung, Kendal, Batang, Pemalang, Brebes, Magelang, Salatiga, Pekalongan, and Tegal.
TIDAL FLOODING
Meanwhile, tidal flooding is still affecting several northern coastal areas of Central Java, such as Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Demak, Jepara, and Pati. Forecaster at the BMKG Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang, Doni Prastio, urged the public to heighten their vigilance against the potential for tidal flooding. “Beware, flooding in Pantura due to rob will occur from 12:00 to 16:00 WIB,” said Doni.
He mentioned that the high tide water level could reach up to 1 metre. This condition could disrupt residents’ activities, including transportation, loading and unloading at ports, aquaculture, and salt production.
BMKG has advised the public, especially those living in coastal areas, to remain alert to the impacts of rob, which is expected to continue for several more days.
In general, weather conditions in Central Java are dominated by winds blowing from the east to south at speeds of 5–25 kilometres per hour. Air temperatures range from 18 to 34 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels of 55–95%.