Extreme Weather Alert in Central Java: Eight Regions at Risk of Heavy Rain and Tidal Flooding

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued an early warning regarding the potential for extreme weather threatening several areas in Central Java. Although most of the central region is entering the dry season, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning is forecast to hit eight areas until the early hours of Wednesday (24/6).

BMKG forecaster at the Ahmad Yani Meteorological Station in Semarang, Winda Ratri, stated that this short-duration extreme weather must be watched closely as it risks triggering hydrometeorological disasters such as flooding, landslides, and tornadoes.

In addition to those eight areas, several other regions including Banyumas, Sragen, Grobogan, Blora, Rembang, Ungaran, Kendal, Slawi, Brebes, Semarang, Tegal, and Bumiayu also have the potential to be drenched by light to moderate intensity rain.

Conditions along the northern coastal area (Pantura) of Central Java are also reported to remain critical. BMKG forecaster at the Tanjung Emas Maritime Station in Semarang, Retna Swasti Karini, noted that tidal flooding (rob) is still inundating several points and is predicted to peak again on Wednesday (24/6) between 13.00 and 17.00 WIB, with a maximum height of one metre.

Residents in Pekalongan, Batang, Kendal, Semarang, Demak, Jepara, Pati, and Rembang are urged to remain on alert. Beyond the tidal flooding, high waves in the northern and southern waters of Central Java reaching 1.25 to 2.5 metres pose a serious threat to shipping activities.

BMKG has advised fishermen and operators of barges and passenger vessels to exercise caution, especially if wind speeds exceed 15 knots. Communities living on hillsides and in river basin areas (DAS) are also asked to heighten their vigilance against the impacts of these sudden weather changes.