BMKG: Rainfall in Yogyakarta Below Normal for Next Three Months
The Yogyakarta Climatology Station of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts rainfall in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) will fall into the below-normal category over the next three months. This condition is triggered by a very strong El Niño event that is likely to persist until December 2026.
Head of the BMKG Yogyakarta Climatology Station, Mamenun, explained that from the third dekad of August to the second dekad of September 2026, rainfall is predicted to be very low, ranging between 0 and 10 millimetres per dekad.
“Given these conditions, the Climatology Station has issued an Early Warning for Meteorological Drought in DIY. In the third dekad of August 2026, alert status has been set for Yogyakarta City, Kulon Progo Regency, Bantul and Gunungkidul, while Sleman Regency is on standby status,” Mamenun said at his office on Thursday (20/8).
Mamenun added that the peak of the 2026 dry season in DIY is occurring this August across all season zones. The duration of the dry season is predicted to vary between 16 and 21 dekads, with total rainfall during the dry season ranging from 250 to 400 millimetres.
“The end of the 2026 dry season in DIY is predicted to occur only in the first and second dekads of November 2026,” he explained.
The very strong El Niño phenomenon is the main factor reducing rainfall and prolonging the dry season in the DIY region. BMKG is urging local governments and the public to increase vigilance against the impacts of meteorological drought.
“We ask the public to be aware of below-normal rainfall, which means this dry season is drier than its climatological average. This has the potential to trigger forest and land fires as well as a reduction in the availability of clean water,” Mamenun added.
In addition, the agricultural sector is expected to take anticipatory measures by adjusting planting patterns to avoid the risk of crop failure. Efficient water resource management is key to facing the potential drought predicted to last until the end of this year.