BMKG Warns of El Niño Impacts in Yogyakarta: Drought Potential to Begin in June 2026

BADAN Meteorologi Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) Stasiun Klimatologi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) has issued an early warning to regional government and communities to anticipate the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which can drive drier weather conditions.

Head of the DIY Climatology Station, Reni Kraningtyas, said that El Niño with weak to moderate intensity is expected to emerge after mid-2026, with the probability of occurrence estimated at 50 to 60 percent.

Based on BMKG analysis, rainfall during the 2026 dry season is predicted to fall into the Below Normal (BN) category. This condition warrants heightened vigilance as the drought potential is already felt from June 2026 and is forecast to peak from July to October 2026.

‘We need anticipatory measures to mitigate the impacts of El Niño which could bring drought from June 2026, and the potential for extreme drought is predicted to occur from July to October 2026,’ said Reni Kraningtyas in her official statement in Yogyakarta, Thursday (21 May).

To address this threat, BMKG emphasises the importance of mitigation measures in the agricultural sector. Farmers are urged to adjust planting patterns promptly to avoid crop failure due to irrigation water shortages.

In addition, areas in four districts and one city in DIY that have a history of drought vulnerability are asked to manage water resources more efficiently. Filling of reservoirs, embung, and water tanks should be maximised ahead of the peak of the dry season.

The public is advised to continue monitoring climate information through official BMKG DIY channels and social media to obtain the latest data on rainfall distribution and extreme weather warnings. (Ant/H-4)