BMKG warns of rain that could cause flooding and landslides

Medan (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has reminded the public to remain vigilant against the potential for rain across parts of North Sumatra, which could cause floods and landslides.

“Be aware of the potential for light to heavy rainfall that could still occur over the coming days, which may trigger hydrometeorological disasters in the form of floods and landslides,” said Budi Prasetyo, forecaster at BMKG Regional Office I, in Medan on Monday.

For Tuesday (21 July), he said light-intensity rain is forecast in the morning in Pakpak Bharat, Samosir, Langkat, Mandailing Natal, Nias, West Nias, South Nias, Dairi, Humbang Hasundutan and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, from midday into the afternoon, light to moderate rain is expected across parts of North Sumatra, with moderate-intensity rain potentially occurring in Mandailing Natal, Padang Lawas, Humbang Hasundutan and surrounding areas.

In the evening, light to moderate rain remains possible across parts of North Sumatra, whilst in the early hours conditions are generally cloudy throughout the region.

Air temperatures will average between 13 and 31 degrees Celsius, with humidity of 60 to 100 per cent and winds blowing from the south to the east at speeds of 3 to 15 kilometres per hour.

Meanwhile, Christen Marpaung, forecaster at the BMKG Class II Maritime Meteorological Station in Belawan, noted that wind bending areas and convergence zones are supporting the growth of rain clouds over North Sumatra.

Warm sea surface temperatures in the waters west and south of Sumatra also have the potential to increase evaporation, thereby adding moisture content to the atmosphere.

These conditions may contribute to the formation of rain clouds over North Sumatra.

Wind patterns in North Sumatra generally move from the southeast towards the northwest, with wind speeds ranging from 5 to 30 knots.