BMKG: Beware Strong Winds and Forest Fire Risks in NTT During Dry Season

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning for residents of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to be cautious of strong winds during the dry season. This dry, strong wind phenomenon is reported to increase the risk of forest and land fires (karhutla) in the region. Riris Eliza Helen, a weather forecaster at the Class II El Tari Kupang Meteorological Station, explained that the increased wind speed is triggered by the active east monsoon as most of NTT enters the dry season period. ‘Beware of dry, strong winds that could cause forest and land fires in NTT,’ she said in Kupang on Sunday (31 May 2026). Based on BMKG’s weather forecast analysis, Sabu Raijua Regency has been identified as an area requiring heightened vigilance, with strong wind potential forecast to last at least until Monday, 1 June 2026. In addition to wind, atmospheric conditions in NTT show a significant decline in cloud growth. BMKG noted no areas in NTT are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall in the next two days. ‘Generally, weather in NTT is forecast to be partly cloudy to cloudy with light rain possible in some areas,’ she added. With temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius and low humidity, residents are advised to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning waste or clearing land by burning. BMKG confirmed that the issued early warning reflects the highest daily accumulated value at the regency level. For more specific information down to the village or neighbourhood level, residents can monitor official channels. With the onset of the dry season, community preparedness in environmental stewardship is key to reducing forest and land fire incidents in East Nusa Tenggara.