BMKG: Cyclone Mekkhala Activity Triggers Rain on Bintan Island, Riau Islands

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (Kepri), stated that the activity of Tropical Cyclone Mekkhala, located northeast of the Philippines, contributed to the rainy weather affecting Bintan Island and its surroundings on Monday.

“Based on the latest meteorological analysis, today’s weather conditions are still influenced by the activity of Tropical Cyclone Mekkhala,” said BMKG Tanjungpinang forecaster Hayu Nur Mahron on Monday.

Hayu reported that Bintan Island, which comprises Tanjungpinang City and Bintan Regency, experienced alternating light to heavy rain starting from the early hours of Monday at around 02:30 WIB.

She explained that the presence of Tropical Cyclone Mekkhala created a flow of air masses towards the cyclone’s centre, which passed through the Riau Islands region and contributed to the formation of a wind convergence zone around Bintan Island. This condition supported the growth of convective clouds, causing light to heavy rain on Bintan Island and its vicinity.

“As a result, the influence of regional weather factors on the Kepri region is expected to gradually diminish,” she said.

Nevertheless, she noted that the still moist and fairly unstable atmospheric conditions continue to support the formation of rain clouds, so the potential for rain remains, albeit with a more localised coverage compared to conditions on 22 June 2026.

This is also influenced by the relatively high water vapour content in the Kepri region, along with warm sea surface temperatures ranging between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius with a positive anomaly of about 0.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This condition causes humidity in the lower to middle atmospheric layers to remain high.

Meanwhile, Hayu added that sea wave heights around Bintan Island are forecast to range from 0.1 to 1.25 metres, categorised as calm to low.

The agency urged the public to remain vigilant regarding rapid weather changes, especially when engaging in outdoor activities or being in maritime areas. The public is also advised to be aware of the potential for coastal flooding (rob), which may still occur until 23 June 2026 in the coastal areas of Tanjungpinang and its surroundings.

“The latest weather information can be obtained through the InfoBMKG application and the BMKG website,” said Hayu Nur Mahron.