BMKG: Beware of 2.5-metre waves in East Nusa Tenggara waters until 19 March 2026

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) — The Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) has urged maritime transport users to exercise caution against the potential for waves reaching 2.5 metres in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) waters from Monday (16 March) to Thursday (19 March).

“Exercise caution against ocean waves reaching heights of 2.5 metres in the NTT region on 16-19 March 2026,” said Yandri Anderudson Tungga, Head of the Tenau Maritime Meteorological Station in Kupang, on Monday.

He explained that wave heights of 1.25 to 2.5 metres could occur in the southern Sape Strait, waters south of Flores, the western Sumba Strait, the Sawu Sea, and the Ombai Strait.

Similar conditions could also develop in the waters south of Sumba, the northern waters of Sabu-Raijua, the northern waters of Timor, the northern waters of Kupang-Rote, the southern waters of Sabu-Raijua, and the southern waters of Timor-Rote.

He stated that strong wind conditions could also increase wave heights in NTT waters. Additionally, a low-pressure system in northern Australia is causing wind convergence and deceleration in the NTT region. These conditions could produce moderate to very heavy rainfall and increased wind speeds.

BMKG has therefore issued an early warning for high waves effective from Monday (16 March) through Thursday (19 March). Barge operators have been asked to exercise caution when wind speeds reach 16 knots and wave heights reach 1.5 metres.

Residents living and working in coastal areas near affected waters have been advised to remain vigilant against potential high waves and to continue monitoring the latest information from BMKG.