BMKG: Alert for light to heavy rain in North Sumatra over the coming week

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that North Sumatra is likely to experience rainfall ranging from light to heavy intensity over the next week. This weather condition warrants caution as it may trigger hydrometeorological disasters, including flooding and landslides.

Nensy Nindy, a forecaster from the BMKG Regional Office I in Medan, stated on Monday that the weather in North Sumatra over the coming week will be influenced by atmospheric wave activity. Cyclonic circulation in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra, along with wind shifts forming convergence and confluence areas, has the potential to increase water vapour supply, supporting the growth of rain clouds in the region.

On a local scale, she noted that atmospheric instability is observed to be quite strong in North Sumatra, further supporting convective processes. Consequently, there is an increased risk of moderate to very heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds in several regencies, including Langkat, Medan, Binjai, Deli Serdang, Dairi, Karo, Gunung Sitoli, West Nias, Nias, South Nias, North Nias, Labuhanbatu, North Labuhanbating, and South Labuhanbatu.

Similar conditions may also occur in Pakpak Bharat, Asahan, Batubara, Humbang Hasundutan, Padang Sidempuan, Pematang Siantar, Sibolga, Tanjung Balai, Tebing Tinggi, Padang Lawas, North Padang Lawas, Samosir, Serdang Bedagai, Simalungun, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, North Tapanuli, and Toba.

Given the significant atmospheric dynamics expected in the coming days, BMKG urges the public and relevant stakeholders to increase vigilance against the potential for moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds across North Sumatra.