DIY Residents Urged to Exercise Caution as BMKG Forecasts Drier 2026 Dry Season
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecasted that the 2026 dry season in Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) will be considerably drier than the previous year, with rainfall expected to remain below normal levels.
Reni Kraningtyas, Head of the DIY Climatology Station, announced in Yogyakarta on Wednesday that most of DIY is expected to enter the dry season during the final ten-day period (dasarian) of April 2026.
“The nature of the 2026 dry season in Yogyakarta Special Region will generally be below normal, meaning rainfall will be less than the climatological average or drier than usual,” Reni stated.
Although the majority of the region will transition in late April, Reni noted that several small districts in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta City, northern Kulon Progo, parts of western Gunungkidul, and northern Bantul are projected to enter the dry season only during the first dasarian of May 2026.
According to Reni, the drier dry season conditions are also influenced by indications of a weak El Niño phenomenon potentially emerging from mid-to-late 2026.
“There are indications of a weak El Niño phenomenon in the middle of the year that could lead to lower rainfall,” she said.
BMKG forecasts that the dry season will peak in DIY during August 2026.
She added that the duration of the dry season across most of DIY is predicted to last approximately 19 to 21 dasarian periods, or roughly six and a half to seven months.
BMKG also predicts that the dry season will generally end in DIY during the first dasarian of November 2026.
However, Reni cautioned that during the seasonal transition periods in March and April, there remains potential for heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and lightning.
She noted that rainfall in DIY during March will still fall in the moderate to high category, then is expected to begin declining in April and May as the transition towards the dry season progresses.
Consequently, BMKG has urged relevant institutions and stakeholders to prepare for climatic conditions that are expected to be drier than normal.
“We urge relevant institutions and stakeholders to anticipate future climatic conditions with reduced rainfall,” Reni said.
She also reminded farmers to adjust their planting patterns and prepare for potential water deficits during the upcoming dry season. The public is encouraged to continue monitoring official weather information in order to undertake independent mitigation measures.