BMKG Warns of Potential Extreme Drought in 2026 in Central Java, These Are the Affected Areas

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has urged regional governments and communities in drought-prone areas to strengthen their preparedness for the 2026 dry season. Based on the latest forecast, the dry season this year is predicted to have below-normal rainfall, triggering a higher potential for drought compared to previous years.

Teguh Wardoyo, Head of the Working Team for Data Services and Information Dissemination at BMKG’s Tunggul Wulung Cilacap Meteorological Station, explained that the onset of the dry season in several Central Java regions will occur gradually beginning May 2026.

BMKG has outlined the schedule for the arrival of the dry season in several regencies in southern Central Java. The duration of the dry season in these areas is estimated to last quite long, ranging between 110 to 180 days (11-18 ten-day periods). The peak of the dry season is forecast to occur in August 2026.

The 2026 dry season is predicted to be considerably different from 2025. Whilst 2025 had above-normal rainfall characteristics (wet dry season), rainfall in 2026 is forecast to be below normal. This will result in the dry season being significantly drier and more arid.

Before entering the dry season, BMKG forecasts that the transitional or monsoon transition period will occur from April to May 2026. Wardoyo reminded the public to remain vigilant against potential short-term hydrometeorological hazards.

“During this period, the public is urged to be cautious of extreme weather potential such as heavy rain accompanied by lightning and strong winds, including the possibility of tornadoes and weather conditions that feel quite hot,” he concluded.