BMKG: Beware of 2.5-metre waves in NTT waters from 18-21 May 2026

Kupang, NTT - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged users of maritime transport to be wary of potential sea waves reaching heights of 2.5 metres in the waters of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) from Monday (18/5) to Thursday (21/5).

“Be alert to the potential for sea waves reaching 2.5 metres in several areas of NTT between 18-21 May 2026,” stated Yandri Anderudson Tungga, Head of the Tenau Kupang Maritime Meteorology Station, in a statement in Kupang on Monday.

Similar conditions may occur in the southern waters of Sumba, the northern waters of Sabu-Raijua, the southern waters of Sabu-Raijua, the northern waters of Kupang-Rote, the Pukuafu Strait, the southern waters of Timor-Rote, and the waters of Komodo National Park.

Synoptically, wind patterns in the NTT region are generally moving from the northeast towards the southeast, with wind speeds ranging between 6 and 30 knots. The highest wind speeds were observed in the southern waters of Flores, the southern waters of Alor-Pantar, the Sumba Strait, the Sawu Sea, the Ombai Strait, the southern waters of Sumba, the waters of Sabu-Raijua, the northern waters of Timor, the northern waters of Kupang-Rote, the Pukuafu Strait, and the southern waters of Timor-Rote.

These strong wind conditions have the potential to increase sea wave heights in the NTT maritime region. Consequently, BMKG has issued an early warning for high waves effective from Monday (18/5) to Thursday (21/5).

BMKG advises fishermen using small boats to increase vigilance when wind speeds reach 15 knots and wave heights reach 1.25 metres. Meanwhile, barge operators are requested to remain cautious if wind speeds reach 16 knots and wave heights reach 1.5 metres.

Yandri requested that residents living and working in coastal areas near the affected waters remain alert to the potential for high waves and continue to follow the latest information updates from BMKG.