BMKG: Exercise caution over moderate to heavy rainfall in East Nusa Tenggara region ahead of Eid

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) — The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has urged residents to remain cautious about potential rainfall of varying intensities across most of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province as the nation approaches the combined holiday period and extended religious festival break.

I Ketut Wisnu Wardhana, a forecaster at the BMKG Class II El Tari Kupang Meteorological Station, stated in Kupang on Tuesday that between 17–19 March 2026, most areas of NTT are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds.

“Regional-scale atmospheric dynamics are at play, namely the strengthening of the Asian Monsoon, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), and atmospheric low-pressure waves, which are affecting weather conditions in the NTT region,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that a cyclonic circulation has been observed over northern Australia, creating wind convergence zones and areas of wind deceleration within the NTT region. Atmospheric humidity levels between 850 and 500 millibars have been recorded at relatively high levels ranging from 70–90 per cent, further supporting vertical cloud development across NTT.

BMKG forecasts that on Tuesday (17 March), numerous areas are expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, including Kupang City, Kupang Regency, South Central Timor (TTS), North Central Timor (TTU), Manggarai, East Manggarai, East Flores, Lembata, East Sumba, and Rote Ndao.

On Wednesday (18 March), heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds is anticipated in Kupang City, Lembata, Sabu Raijua, and TTS.

BMKG has cautioned the public to remain alert to the potential for rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong winds, as these conditions carry risk of hydrometeorological disasters.

As residents prepare for the extended holiday and combined leave period, BMKG encourages the public to utilise the agency’s 24-hour information services, available by telephone at (0380) 881613, WhatsApp at 0811-3940-4264, or through social media accounts @infobmkg and @infobmkgeltari. Users may also download the Info BMKG mobile application.