BMKG Warning: South Sulawesi on Alert for Extreme Weather Over Coming Week

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), through its Region IV Makassar Centre, has issued an early warning for extreme weather across South Sulawesi, effective from 24 February to 1 March 2026.

“During the period from 24 February to 1 March 2026, rainfall of heavy to very heavy intensity is expected,” said Nasrol Adil, Acting Head of BBMKG Region IV Makassar, in a statement on Tuesday (24 February).

Nasrol explained that the increased potential for high rainfall across several areas of South Sulawesi is driven by a combination of atmospheric dynamics, including Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) activity, Kelvin waves, Rossby waves, and wind convergence that supports the development of convective clouds.

“Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in the areas of Parepare, Barru, Pangkajene and Islands, Maros, Makassar, Gowa, Takalar, and Selayar Islands,” he explained.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of North Luwu, Pinrang, Sidrap, Soppeng, Bone, Sinjai, Jeneponto, Bantaeng, and Bulukumba.

“In addition to heavy rain, strong winds are also expected in the western and southern parts of South Sulawesi,” he said.

BMKG has warned coastal communities and fishermen to be alert to potential high waves of 1.25 to 2.5 metres in several waters, including the waters off Pinrang, Barru, Makassar, Pangkep, Selayar Islands, Bulukumba, Takabonerate Islands, and Jeneponto.

In response to these conditions, BMKG has called on all stakeholders and the public to heighten their preparedness, including ensuring the readiness of infrastructure and water resource management systems, carrying out environmental improvements, and trimming and reinforcing trees at risk of falling.

BMKG has urged the public to increase vigilance against extreme weather that could trigger hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, flash floods, landslides, strong winds, falling trees, and high waves.

“The public is also urged not to dispose of rubbish indiscriminately, to stay away from affected locations, and to actively monitor official information and early weather warnings from BMKG,” he said.