BMKG: 10 districts and cities in North Sulawesi warned of heavy rain and strong winds until 21 May 2026

Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) said that ten districts and cities in North Sulawesi (Sulut) are at risk of heavy rainfall that could be accompanied by lightning and strong winds. ‘BMKG has issued an alert to remain vigilant for extreme weather in North Sulawesi through 21 May 2026,’ said Dhira Utama, head of the Sam Ratulangi Manado Meteorological Station, in Manado on Tuesday.

Analysis of atmospheric dynamics shows that spatially active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Kelvin waves in North Sulawesi can significantly enhance convective activity. In addition, a low pressure area to the northeast of North Sulawesi causes convergence or wind turning that fosters the growth of convective clouds and is supported by a strong local instability index.

This combination is predicted to lead to increased rainfall intensity, potentially accompanied by lightning and strong winds in several parts of North Sulawesi. The combination of these phenomena forms atmospheric conditions expected to support rainfall of moderate to heavy intensity, potentially with lightning and strong winds in several districts/cities.

The districts/cities are Manado City, Tomohon City, Bitung City, Minahasa Regency, Minahasa Tenggara Regency, Minahasa Selatan Regency, Bolaang Mongondow Regency, Bolaang Mongondow Utara Regency, Bolaang Mongondow Selatan Regency, and Talaud Islands Regency.

BMKG urged the public, district/city governments, and the North Sulawesi Provincial Government to heighten vigilance and preparedness and to coordinate with relevant agencies. These measures are part of hydrometeorological disaster anticipatory actions, including waterlogging, floods, landslides, and fallen trees, especially in areas with steep, mountainous terrain or prone to landslides and floods.

‘Mengingat cuaca bersifat dinamis, diimbau terus monitor informasi perkembangan cuaca dan peringatan dini cuaca dari Stasiun Meteorologi Sam Ratulangi Manado,’ ucap Dhira Utama.

For more detailed weather information for each kelurahan across North Sulawesi, visit the BMKG weather website at https://cuaca.bmkg.go.id/ or other verified information channels. (Ant/Z-4)